A dramatic scene unfolded yesterday at the Ibadan private residence of the late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
The presence of journalists that converged to cover the condolence visit of the chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde to the deceased residence sparked off resistance.
This generated a negative reaction from one of the daughters of the deceased, named Ololade Akeredolu, who ordered all the journalists to leave the residence, on the ground that it was a private residence and not a Government House.
The duo arrived the Jericho residence of the late governor at about 5:30 pm.
Upon arrival, the two governors went straight into the private residence where the wife, Betty and some immediate family members were mourning.
However, swift intervention of some colleagues calmed the frayed nerves as the reporters who had laid siege to the entrance gates of the residence to monitor situation felt angry at the negative reaction.
Apparently sensing what had happened, the two governors after the visit walked out to the street where the journalists were waiting to interview the visitors.
Speaking, the Kwara State governor lauded the deceased governor for his commitment and impact on humanity.
Abdulrahman who described Akeredolu’s death as a great loss to the nation, recounted that the late Aketi rose to the peak of his career and politics and impacted greatly on humanity in developmental politics
He said: “This is a solemn affairs, we are here today with the governor of Oyo state and myself on behalf of all the members of the Nigeria Governors Forum to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late Arakunrin Akeredolu. It is a sad affair.”
“We met the wife. We can just continue to pray that his soul will continue to rest in peace and may God give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”
“It is indeed a great loss for the nation. This is a man that rose to the height of his chosen career, the bar. He rose to become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He rose to the height of politics, he was the governor of a state.”
“He impacted greatly on humanity in developmental politics. All we can say for now is that may his soul rest in peace.”
“And we can also add that of the former Speaker, House of Representatives, Dr Ghali Naabba, may Allah forgive him his sins and give him aljannah firdus.”
Also in his brief remarks, Governor Makinde said he has lost a friend, a brother and someone they had been in the trenches together.
Describing Akeredolu as a courageous individual who doesn’t mince words but someone who speaks truth to power, Governor Makinde, said the death was a big loss for him personally and for the southwest as a whole.
“Well, I can say that I have lost a personal friend, a brother, somebody that we have been in the trenches together. When we were going to set up Amotekun, he was pivotal to it.”
“And when we took the decision for Southern presidency, himself and the former governor of Anambra, they chaired the meeting at the Delta Government House.”
“So, this is somebody that is a courageous individuals, he doesn’t mince words. He says it as it is, he would speak truth to power. It is a big loss for me personally and for the southwest.”
“We will still continue to internalise it but we give God the glory that he lived a fulfilled life. At the end of the day, it is really not how long but how well and he lived well. He impacted humanity and the Southwest of Nigeria.”
