…..As Tinubu’s VP, Anglican Primate, State Governors pay last Respect to late Ex-Ondo Governor in Owo
….Your time is running fast, Anglican Bishop tells Tinubu
As Remains of former governor of Ondo state, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu were laid to rest today at a private cemetery in Owo, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukuba has challenged President Bola Tinubu to act fast and address the increasing hardship facing Nigerians as time is no longer on his side.
Ndukuba made the call during his sermon at the Funeral service for late former governor of Ondo state, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu at Saint Andrews Cathedral Church Imola, Owo, Ondo state.
Represented by the Dean of the church of Nigeria, Most Rev’d Dr Blessing Enyindah, Ndukuba said, “May I on behalf of Nigerians pray and call on the President, Senator Bola Tinubu to do something to reduce the hardship faced by Nigerians.
“We have the hope he would do it because he promised us Renewed Hope and according to him, it is his turn, so the turn and opportunity have been given to him now. We are waiting and expecting the fulfilment of the renewed hope.
“We plead with him to do it fast because time, that is four or eight years as the case may be, is brief and the time is running.”
Bishop Stephen Fagbemi, the Bishop of Owo diocese, in his remarks, revealed plans to immortalize the late governor, who served as Chancellor of the Anglican Communion in Owo, through the Anglican Medical and Diagnostic Center, which will be dedicated in his honour.
The Funeral service for late former governor of Ondo state Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu at Saint Andrews Church Imola Owo was graced by hundreds of sympathisers who besieged the cathedral from all walks of life.
The Vice president Kashim Shettima who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led other personalities, including Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Akeredolu’s wife, Mrs Betty and children, Ekiti state governor Biodun Oyebanji, Edo state governor Mr Goodwin Obaseki, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun; Babajide Sanwoolu of Lagos; Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq of Kwara, Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, Douye Diri of Bayelsa; Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta; Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr George Akume.
Others are; former governor of Ondo state Dr Olusẹgun Mimiko, former governor of Ogun State Mr Gbenga Daniel and senator Ibikunle Amosun, former Ekiti state governor Kayode Fayemi, APC national chairman Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, wife of late Prophet Temitope Joshua, Pastor Evelyn Joshua, political appointees, bodies of benchers.
President Tinubu said Nigeria has lost a man whose legacy will endure, emphasizing that rather than mourn, it’s a day to celebrate Akeredolu’s life and his contributions to humanity.
President Tinubu highlighted Akeredolu’s lasting impact on history and expressed that he will always be revered, describing the former governor and associate as a highly intelligent individual and a dogged fighter.
WHY I WILL NOT FORGET AKEREDOLU —Aiyedatiwa
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Friday said he will forever be grateful and will not forget the positive impacts and contributions of late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in his life and political career.
According to Aiyedatiwa, the untimely death of his late boss has made him the governor of Ondo state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, eulogized his former principal and hailed his unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law, which earned him his colleague governors’ respect and solidarity.
Accompanied to the event by his deputy, Chief Olayide Adelami and other top government functionaries, Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed Akeredolu’s multifaceted impact on the society, reflecting on the accolades and tributes bestowed upon him from various quarters.
The Governor described the late former governor as a warrior of integrity whose legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him, extending beyond his immediate family to touch the lives of countless others.
Aiyedatiwa said, “How can Ondo state people forget him so easily? it is not possible because he used the instrument of governance to intervene in different sectors of the state.
“Sometimes you wonder how he decided to leave us so soon. Why can’t God give him more years to still stay with us ? Why did God take him home so soon?
“They said good people don’t live for too long and Akeredolu is one of them.
“For me, I can not forget so soon because we shared a lot together. How can I forget those political and physical rough and dusty roads that we traveled together ?
“Since 2012, I have been his political associate, his friend, a one time Director General of his campaign team, as deputy nominee, deputy governor elected, acting governor whenever he traveled and now, he made me the governor even in death. How can I forget? May his gentle soul rest in peace.”
