Tributes and condolence messages continue to trail the passing of Ondo State former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who died in the early hours of Wednesday. 

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki said Mr Akeredolu’s journey from serving as an attorney-general in Ondo to becoming the president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and eventually the governor of Ondo State is a “remarkable, inspiring, and accomplished life, by all standards.”

“As I join his dear family, my mother’s kinsmen and women in Owo Town, where the late governor also hailed from, the people of Ondo State, and the Nigerian Bar Association in mourning the passing of this giant, we take solace in the fact that he left behind a legacy marked by service to our nation,” Mr Saraki added. 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Mr Akeredolu as 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,” Mr Atiku added while expressing his condolences to the late governor’s family. 

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also penned a condolence message where he described the late politician as a “leader that placed the interest of his people above every other consideration; a man of integrity and strong conviction, with a strict work ethos and never paid lip service to the welfare of the people of the state.”

“He was a fearless lawyer who spoke truth to power, regardless of whose ox was gored.

“As governor, Chief Akeredolu left his footprints in the sands of history, executing landmark projects and implementing people-oriented policies that earned him a second term in office,” he added. 

Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, also mourned Mr Akeredolu. A statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said Mr Akeredolu was one of Nigeria’s finest and that his “wise counsel and constructive contributions will be missed.”

The All Progressives Congress Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, wrote that the party shares the grief of the Akeredolu family and the people of Ondo State. 

“His dedication to ensuring peace, stability, and unity within the state will forever be remembered. Governor Akeredolu’s departure leaves a significant void in our political landscape.

“His absence will be felt by all who had the privilege of working with him, collaborating on projects, or simply experiencing his remarkable leadership firsthand,” Mr Ganduje said.

The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, chronicled the contributions of the late governor in a statement that the palace’s media office released. 

“When we were challenged at the grassroots by invaders who masqueraded as herdsmen, Aketi worked with stakeholders across South-West and the national level to deliver our mandate of security and prosperity.

“This birthed Amotekun and other initiatives through which our people are safer and more confident to embark on their lawful businesses daily.

“He was an honest, bold and courageous leader whose legacy will never be forgotten. If Akeredolu tells you anything, that is the way it is,” Mr Ogunwusi said. 

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Lekan Balogun, said Mr Akeredolu was an “indefatigable politician and legal icon.

“In politics, he proved himself an enigma, winning gubernatorial elections on two different occasions and but for his untimely death, he would have succeeded in governing his Ondo State for two terms of eight years; that’s not a mean achievement,” he added.

Mr Akeredolu died after his battle with prostate cancer. He sought medical care in Nigeria and abroad, which kept him out of official government functions in the months leading up to his demise.