President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by Ondo State Governor, Honorable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, paid a condolence visit to the ancient town of Owo on Wednesday to express sympathy over the passing of former Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.
In a statement released to Heap News by Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State, on February 28, 2024, President Tinubu visited the Palace of the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, where he was warmly received by prominent traditional rulers in the State.
President Tinubu remarked that the loss of the former Governor has left a significant void that will be challenging to fill, emphasizing that Akeredolu’s legacy will endure for generations.
He stated, “It is honorable to depart this world when the ovation is loudest,” encouraging others to live purposefully and leave behind a legacy of impact.
Acknowledging Akeredolu’s fearless pursuit of good governance, Tinubu described him as a courageous leader who fought tirelessly for the welfare of his people.
The Olowo, Oba Ogunoye, expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the entire Owo community for the President’s visit. He also commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for organizing a dignified burial ceremony for the late Akeredolu.
Among those present at the palace were the Deputy Governor, Chief Olayide Adelami, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Olamide Oladiji, and the Chief of Staff to the governor, as well as Prince Segun Omojuwa.
President Tinubu, accompanied by Chief Bisi Akande and Chief Pius Akinyelure, also visited the residence of the late Akeredolu to offer condolences to his widow, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, and other family members. Subsequently, Mrs. Akeredolu led the President to the late Governor’s final resting place near the residence.
Later, President Tinubu visited the residence of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the National Leader of the Pan Yoruba Socio-political group, Afenifere, in Akure, where he pledged to address various challenges facing the country, including issues of hardship.