One of the daughters of the late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu reportedly caused a mild drama on Wednesday when journalists gathered at her father’s residence to get news.
The deceased’s daughter, Ololade Akeredolu, ordered journalists out of the Ibadan private residence of the late Ondo State Governor.
The incident occurred after they made attempts to cover the condolence visit of the chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde.
Akeredolu’s Death
Akeredolu died on Wednesday morning after a prolonged battle with leukaemia.
Reports reveal that Ololade was reportedly uncomfortable with the presence of journalists who trooped to her father’s residence to get reports.
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She stood her ground that it was a private residence and not a Government House.
Governor Abdulrazaq and Makinde had arrived at the Jericho residence of the late governor at about 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Tensed Atmosphere
Upon their arrival, the two governors immediately proceeded to the private residence where Betty, the wife, and other close family members were grieving.
However, the tense atmosphere was diffused by the timely intervention of some colleagues, which calmed the agitated reporters stationed at the entrance gates of the residence.
The reporters were displeased with the negative response.
Recognising the situation, the two governors emerged from the visit and made their way to the street, where the journalists were eagerly waiting to interview them.
Tremendous Loss
During his speech, the governor of Kwara State praised the late governor for his dedication and significant contributions to society.
Abdulrazaq acknowledged Akeredolu’s passing as a tremendous loss to the nation.
He highlighted how he (Akeredolu) had reached the pinnacle of his career and political journey, leaving a lasting impact on developmental politics and humanity.
“This is a solemn affair. We are here today; the governor of Oyo state and me, on behalf of all the members of the Nigeria Governors Forum.
Condolence Visit
“We are here 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 who rose to the height of his chosen career, the bar.
“He rose to become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and also arose to the height of politics. He was the governor of a state.
“Also, 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 al-Jannah firdus,” the Kwara State governor said.
A Trusted Champion
In his separate remark, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of ‘a dear friend.
He described him as a ‘trusted companion, and a comrade’ with whom he had fought side by side.
Furthermore, he said late Governor Akeredolu was a fearless leader who never shied away from speaking the truth, even in the face of power.
To him, the passing of Akeredolu was not only a personal loss but also a significant loss for the entire southwest region.
He said: “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.
Truth To Power
“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 individual, 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. He lived well.
“He impacted humanity and the Southwest of Nigeria”.
