Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afẹ́nifẹ́re, has described the late governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Aketi), as an embodiment of a courageous and an exemplary life.
The organisation stated this in a press release by its Publicity Secretary, Mọ́gàjí Gboyega Adejumo, titled “Hacking Into A Courageous And An Exemplary Life — Tribute To Arákùnrin Rotimi Akeredolu, Aketi”.
Afẹ́nifẹ́re stated that it received with a rude shock the news of the demise of the late governor of Ondo State on Wednesday.
It added that the demise of Akeredolu was a big loss for a land lacking leaders filled with “audacity, bravery, daring determination, endurance, fearlessness, finesse, fortitude, gallantry, grit heroism, prowess spirit, spunk tenacity and valor.
“Aketi stood for what is right and just. He was a defender of the people and his people will forever appreciate his profound efforts that most often resulted in politically-induced attacks on the people of Ondo State.
“In an extremely ultra-conservative political atmosphere from which he emerged, he fought as a progressive to clinch the governorship ticket.
“Aketi was forthright enough to say his own truths, not minding being the goring ox and shying away not from the consequences.
“He stood up to tyranny and, as the chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, he displayed a profound sense of Ọmọlúwàbí in berthing a regional security network along with his other colleagues.
“Save for only one state, the Western Nigeria Security Network, code-named Àmòtékún, is a worthy legacy of his tenacity.
“For us at the Afẹ́nifẹ́re, we remember him as an example of compassion. Led by our Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, we visited Ondo State when the calamity of the Ọ̀wọ̀ massacre happened in a Christian Holy Church.
“As the governor, he wept even as he hosted us. We remember you today. We always will cherish the great moments we all shared individually and collectively with you.”
Afẹ́nifẹ́re prayed that the valiant soul of Arákùnrin Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON rest in peace.
“And may God guide the new Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, as he assumes the leadership of Ondo State,” it added in the release.
