Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of Ondo State counterpart, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) who died today in Lagos at age 67.
Akeredolu had battled an undisclosed health condition that rendered him inactive for many months before he passed away at about 2am on Wednesday at a German hospital in Lagos where he was undergoing treatment.
The ailing governor returned to Nigeria in September following a three-month medical leave in Germany and he recently embarked on another medical leave, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to hand over power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who is currently serving as the Acting Governor.
He had initially stayed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital and tried to govern his state from there, leading to public outrage.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, expressed deep sorrow over the demise of his Ondo State counterpart.
Describing Akeredolu’s death as a colossal loss to both the nation and Ondo State, Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the profound positive impacts the late governor had made in Ondo State, the South-West region, and the entire country.
Sanwo-Olu extended his heartfelt condolences to Akeredolu’s family, including his widow, Dr. Betty Akeredolu, and Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa while he expressed sympathy for the people of Ondo State, especially those in Owo, the hometown of the deceased governor, praying that they find the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
Reflecting on Akeredolu’s legacy, Lagos Governor emphasized the significant contributions the late governor made to the growth and development of Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole, particularly in the fields of judiciary and governance.
He also commended Akeredolu’s courage and passionate service to the people during his tenure as the Governor of Ondo State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded the statement with a prayer for the eternal rest of Arakunrin Akeredolu and for divine strength for his family, friends, associates, and the entire people of Ondo State to cope with the grief of the profound loss
