The leading sociocultural group, Yoruba Council Worldwide YCW has expressed its deepest condolences and sympathies to the government and people of Ondo State following the sudden passing of our esteemed Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, who died on 27th December 2023 in Lagos.
In a statement released by the Council’s Global President, Aare Barr Oladotun Hassan, the Council described Governor Akeredolu’s death as a significant loss not only to the people of Ondo State but also to the entire Yoruba race and the nation at large.
“Governor Akeredolu was a true Yoruba leader, a legal luminary, and an indefatigable patriot who dedicated his life to the service of his people. His uncommon positive contributions to the development of Ondo State and the establishment of “Amotekun Corps” despite the cabal’s negation will always be remembered,” the statement read.
The Council also commended Governor Akeredolu’s efforts in promoting education, healthcare, security and infrastructural development in Ondo State, which led to significant improvements in the lives of the people.
Aare Hassan further noted that the late governor’s passion for the emancipation of the Yoruba people and his rear commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria would remain an enduring legacy.
The Yoruba Council Worldwide has urged the people of Ondo State to remain calm and united during this trying time, assuring them of their unwavering support and prayers.
The Council also extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of the late governor, particularly his wife and children, and prayed for the repose of his soul.
As the people of Ondo State and the entire Yoruba race mourn the loss of their beloved leader, the Yoruba Council Worldwide remains committed to upholding the values and ideals that Governor Akeredolu so passionately advocated for during his lifetime, while admonishing the new Governor Honourable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to remain resolute towards consolidating on Akeredolu’s legacies.
It is with heavy hearts, that we the members of Yoruba Council Worldwide, mourn the painful exit of Arakunrin Rotimi Akereledolu SAN, the Executive Governor of Ondo State, precipitating our resolution to declare 7 days mourning period in Yoruba Land to lapse on Tuesday 2nd January, 2024 at the Alagbaka Government House, Akure, Ondo State.
However, no matter how painful his untimely exit may be, yet we can still find solace in the immortal words of Norman Cousins that says:
“Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside of us while we live.”
No doubt, Arakunrin Akeredolu lived a fulfilled life, as he came, saw and conquered by exemplar accomplishments of his life trajectory that spanned through his inimitable legal profession, as State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, as Senior advocate of Nigeria, Nigerian Bar Association President, and as Executive Governor of Ondo State to mention a few; all his life sojourn remains with indelible landmarks of symbolism and to the glory of Almighty God.
Adieu Arakunrin, Akinkaju Okunrin Ogun, as we bid him goodbye, we take solace in the immortal words of Nelson Mandela that says:
“Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to he his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace.”
We pray God grant Aketi eternal peace and grant your wife and your entire family, Owo Community, Ondo State, Yoruba land, and Nigeria the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
Signed:
Aare Oladotun Hassan Esq,
President, Yoruba Council Worldwide.
