The death of the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON has been described by critical stakeholders both home and abroad as a monumental national tragedy. This is because of his unparalleled contributions to the nation's building over the years as Former Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice in Ondo State, Nigeria Bar Association's President and Executive Governor of Ondo State among others.
In tandem with best practice, his death is mourned by all categories of people and sectors being a pragmatic leader and great mentor with phenomenal imparts to all classes of people in both private and public sectors particularly in Owo and her environs , and Ondo State at large.
The leadership of Owo Recreation Club where Akeredolu was the Grand Patton and a prominent member before his sudden death due to protracted illness has joined millions of other Nigerians and well-wishers across the world to mourn and sympathize with the entire family of this icon with toga of panache and finesse as a quintessential leader,seasoned democrat, articulate unionist and astute politician with a class and distinction.
According to Suvr Segun Olayanju, (aka Akarakiri), the incumbent and 47th President of Owo Recreation Club, the most reputable social club in Owo, Akeredolu's home country, he described the former governor as a courageous fighter , hardworking person and true lover of excellence who sincerely had the interest of the Club and Owo at heart. " Aketi is a man who is not only Owo by name but by heart considering his incurable commitment to the transformation of the ancient town in the recent time., in particular, Owo Recreation Club."
"Our tribute is never to mourn him and his untimely exit but to happily celebrate the glorious homecall of this uncommon legend , rare legal luminary and iconic phenomenon as human specimen who was forged in the golden furnace of humanity." "Odunayo pledged to facelift our Club and he did with a revolutionary touch in addition to the various ongoing projects in the club, Owo town, and the entire Ondo State." It's not out of place to call him a Nehemiah especially with the massive rehabilitation and dualization of Owo roads cum upgrading of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic to a full-fledged University but to mention a few.
The emeritus Governor being the Chairman of Governors' Forum , Southwestern Nigeria,also embarked on the ongoing Sunshine Food Company at Emure-Ile in addition to upgrading the stools of some of our Traditional Rulers in addition to the creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) "He is a Talk and Do governor" , Akarakiri submitted...
While quantifying the investment in human capital development in Ondo State, the leadership of the noble Club expressed posthumous gratitude to the late governor for his special consideration for the people of Owo for fresh opportunities in and outside government starting from our Life Patron, Olowo of Owo,Oba (Dr) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III. Suvr. Olayanju, therefore concluded that Akeredolu was a genius who is blunt, straight forward, calm , cool, collected and humorous as a leader and father to all.
Akarakiri do forget to also appreciate posthumously the late governor for the reinstatement of the club's General Secretary back to Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo after being suspended indefinitely for more than five (5) years.
Owo Recreation Club then sympathizes with her wife, Mrs Betty Akeredolu and children; Olowo of Owo and HE, Barr. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa and the entire good people of Ondo State over the unfortunate huge loss. He pray to God to grant the family, Owo people , Ondo State government and the good people of the sunshine state the rare fortitude needed to bear this irreparable and irreplaceable loss.
Engr. (Comrade) Rafiu Oluwadare IJAWOYE
Gen. Secretary
