Second anniversary: Gov Aiyedatiwa hails Akeredolu’s courage, vision

By Precious Oluwole

Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has hailed the late former governor of the state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, for his courage, visionary leadership and enduring contributions to governance, as Ondo State marked the second anniversary of his passing.

In a tribute to mark the occasion, Gov Aiyedatiwa described Late Akeredolu as a true statesman and one of the champions of progressive governance whose leadership ideals continue to inspire public office holders across the country.

The governor recalled Akeredolu’s bold advocacy for state policing, which culminated in the establishment of the South-West Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, noting that the initiative was driven by his unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property. He quoted the late governor as declaring that he would “not play politics with the lives of my people.”

According to Aiyedatiwa, the Amotekun initiative redefined Nigeria’s subnational security architecture and has since gained national acceptance, with recent Senate resolutions and ongoing reforms aligning with calls for decentralised policing and strengthened intelligence-led security.

Reflecting on their long political association dating back to 2012, the governor said Akeredolu was deeply committed to mentorship, leadership development, succession and institutional stability. He recalled the late governor’s remarks at their joint inauguration on February 24, 2021, where Akeredolu emphasised the responsibility of leaders to prepare others for the future through guidance, trust and continuity.

Aiyedatiwa said Akeredolu had, on several occasions at State Executive Council meetings, expressed confidence in his capacity, stressing that such gestures reflected a deliberate effort to groom the next generation of leaders and ensure orderly, constitutional succession.

“As history has shown, his faith, trust and mentorship shaped part of my public life,” the governor said, describing himself as one of the legacies of Akeredolu’s political leadership.

He added that the government and people of Ondo State remain committed to honouring Akeredolu’s passion for development, justice, equity and unity, while pledging continued support for the Foundation established by the Akeredolu family to immortalise the late leader.

Aiyedatiwa prayed for the repose of Akeredolu’s soul and urged the state to continue drawing strength from his exemplary life of courage, service and principled leadership.