Family, Aiyedatiwa, Associates Hold Remembrance Service for Akeredolu
As family, friends, and political associates gathered to mark the first anniversary of the passing of former Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, his successor, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, described him as a courageous leader and an unrepentant advocate of good governance.
Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu served as Governor of Ondo State from February 24, 2017, until his passing on December 27, 2023.
Speaking at the one-year remembrance service held at St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Owo on Friday, the governor, represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, said Akeredolu is being remembered for the immense role he played in advancing democratic ideals.
The governor noted that the programmes and activities designed for the one-year remembrance were in appreciation of what the late governor stood for.
This one-year remembrance is not a jamboree but a sincere and genuine desire to immortalise our dear Arakunrin for what he stood for and for his numerous contributions to the development of our dear state and the country as a whole.
We will continue to remember him for being at the forefront and for rallying his brother governors to institutionalise the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, a homegrown security outfit that is currently doing a tremendous job at combating insecurity in our land. This is in addition to other laudable infrastructural initiatives midwifed by our late leader.”
The memorial service was presided over by the Bishop of Owo Diocese, Anglican Communion, the Rt. Revd. Stephen Fagbemi, assisted by the Bishop of Ose, the Rt. Revd. Adegoke Agara; the Bishop of Irele, the Rt. Revd. Joshua Oyinlola; and the Rt. Revd. Olusola Ajayi of Ekiti Diocese. The service also had the former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, and his wife in attendance.
In his sermon, Bishop Fagbemi said Arakunrin Akeredolu, who until his death was the Chancellor of Owo Diocese Anglican Communion, lived a purposeful life which revered God, worked for the church of God, and impacted humanity.
As a politician, Arakunrin Akeredolu was committed to the cause of his people. He never failed to use what he had to satisfy the people. He did not fail in his promises to the people,” the Bishop eulogised.
Other dignitaries included Justice Moronkeji Ogunwumiju of the Supreme Court, former Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, and cabinet members of the late governor.
The congregation at the service joined the widow of the former governor, Betty Akeredolu, the children, and siblings of the late governor in a special thanksgiving procession.
At a separate event in Owo, a book titled “The Life and Times of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,” written by Wale Okediran with a foreword by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, was launched as part of the events to mark the one-year anniversary of Akeredolu’s death.
CREDIT: The Hope Newspaper
