Former Nigerian Vice President and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde, have expressed sadness following the death of the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu and the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na'Abba.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed sadness over the demise of Akeredolu.
The opposition party described his death as a national loss.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that Governor Akeredolu died on Wednesday in Germany at the age of 67 after a prolonged illness, Na’Abba, who was the Speaker of the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003, also reportedly died on Wednesday morning at a hospital in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Atiku, Sanwo-Olu and Makinde who eulogised the two Nigerian leaders and expressed their condolences to their states and Nigeria in general, said that the late governor and the former House of Representatives Speaker would be missed for the roles they played in Nigeria’s development.
Atiku in his condolence message on X (formerly Twitter) said, “It was with a rude shock and sadness that I read about the passing of the Governor of Ondo State, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Gali Umar Na’Abba.
“Governor Akeredolu was a quintessential gentleman who took the finesse to governance.
“A two-term elected governor of the Sunshine State, Akeredolu was a politician of class because he was never known for destructive politics.
“Hon. Na’Abba on the other hand raised the bar of legislative enterprise in Nigeria as it is evident that the 1st Session of the National Assembly where he served with distinction between 1999-2003 remains one of the best in the annals of our legislatures.
“Both Governor Akeredolu, Aketi, as he was fondly called, and Speaker Na’Abba will be sorely missed for the inestimable roles that they played in our national development.
“I express deepest condolences to their respective families and pray to God to grant their souls a peaceful repose.
“I also join the good people and governments of both Ondo and Kano States to mourn the demise of these towering political figures.”
Also, Governor Sanwo-Olu wrote, “As a friend and brother of the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, I stand here today with a heavy heart.
“We've been allies through many battles, shared triumphs, and stood side by side, witnessing his relentless pursuit of justice. His passing is a profound loss not just for Ondo State but for our nation.
“On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
“I sympathise with the entire people of Ondo State, particularly Owo sons and daughters, at home and abroad.
“Akeredolu's impact as a beacon of hope and progress in Ondo State and Nigeria at large will forever echo. His strides in the realms of judiciary and governance remain a testament to his unwavering dedication to service.
“His courageous leadership during his tenure as Governor of Ondo State illuminated the path toward progress and development. His passion for his people was boundless, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many.
“In this moment of grief, my thoughts and prayers extend to his family, his dear wife Dr. Betty Akeredolu, and all who cherished his friendship.
“May the memories of his legacy serve as a source of strength as we navigate this irreplaceable loss.
“Rest in eternal peace, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. Your spirit of resilience and commitment to justice will forever inspire us.
“I pray that God grants him eternal rest and gives his immediate family, friends, associates, and the people of Ondo State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
On his part, Governor Makinde said, “I received with great sadness the news of the death of my brother, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, the Governor of Ondo State and Chairman, South-West Governors' Forum. I condole with his wife and children as well as the Government and people of Ondo State over this sad loss.
“In Aketi, South-West has lost a dogged fighter and courageous leader who worked hard for the peace, prosperity and progress of the region. I have also lost a worthy co-fighter for the South-West cause because we were both at the vanguard of the struggle, which birthed the South-West Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun.
“Aketi’s fervent and unrelenting stance on issues that border on South-West's regional integration and progress is a lesson for leaders. He will be sorely missed.
“Rest well, my dear brother and may the good Lord be with everyone you left behind.”
SaharaReporters reported earlier that the Ondo State Government had confirmed the death of Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigerian (SAN).
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, in a statement issued on Wednesday, in confirmation of the governor's death, revealed that Akeredolu died in Germany on Wednesday after battling prostate cancer.
Reacting to his death in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP said it was saddened by the news of Akeredolu's death.
The party described Akeredolu as a courageous and amiable personality, brilliant lawyer and outstanding administrator with deep understanding and capacity for leadership especially in his roles towards the unity, stability and development of the nation.
"His death is a huge national loss. He was an unrepentant fighter for Fairness, Equity and Justice in the affairs of the nation. He believed in true federalism, respect, defense and protection of ethnic nationalities which he advocated as prerequisite for peace and development in our nation.
"The PDP commiserates with Governor Akeredolu’s widow, Betty Akeredolu, his children and the people of Ondo State. We pray to God to grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss, and to the faithful departed, eternal rest in His Bosom," it said.