Bello visits Akeredolu’s family in Ibadan on condolence

**Says late Governor’s earthly sojourn was profoundly impactful

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State on Friday morning paid a condolence visit on the late Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, (SAN) at his residence in the Jericho area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

Governor Bello who was accompanied by the governor-elect of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the bereaved.

A statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed said Bello and his team were received by widow of the late governor Akeredolu, Her Excellency, Mrs Betty Akeredolu.

The Kogi State Governor noted that Akeredolu’s earthly sojourn, both in private and public spheres, was profoundly impactful, leaving an indelible mark on humanity until his final breath.

He counseled the grieving family to embrace the inevitability of death as he urged them to cherish the enduring legacies of the departed Governor and Senior Advocate.

Gov. Bello lauded Akeredolu’s towering stature as a luminary in Africa’s Legal landscape and acknowledged his unwavering dedication to advancing the cause of justice, upholding the Rule of Law, and fortifying Democratic institutions in Nigeria.

“We were in Lagos for the NGF’s meeting and on a Christmas Homage to President Bola Tinubu when we received the lamentable news of the passing of our elder brother and senior colleague, His Excellency Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

“Your husband was not merely a senior governor-colleague but also a Statesman whose sagacity and benevolent guidance significantly enriched our leadership, notably within the Governors Forum and the democratic institution in Nigeria.

“This monumental loss resonates deeply with us, the people of Ondo State and the entire nation and on this note, I chose to embark on this early journey to extend my heartfelt sympathies to you and your family in this sorrowful moment.

“May the heavens welcome the soul of my brother with the same generosity and kindness he bestowed upon humanity throughout the years”, he prayed.

In her response, wife of the deceased governor, Her Excellency, Betty Akeredolu expressed her gratitude to the governor for sparing time to embark on the journey to offer his condolences.

She revealed that her husband, aged 67, succumbed to prostate cancer in Germany on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. (Ends)