Governor Akeredolu’s demise a great loss – Lanre Sarumi

Governor Akeredolu’s demise a great loss – Lanre Sarumi

I join millions of Nigerians to mourn the demise of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state. It’s such a great loss to the Yoruba race and Nigeria at large.

Aketi was such a man once convinced on a cause would firmly uphold, leave no stone unturned, emphasising his conviction till the concluding end of the matter. This was reflected in his professional life as a lawyer as well as a politician and Governor.

Post 2003 Election whilst at the Tribunal following my father’s election, Hon. Tayo Sarumi of blessed memories to the HOR and Chief Akin Olujimi (SAN) represented him at the election tribunal but before the end of the tribunal proceedings Olujimi was appointed Attorney General of the federation and it became unethical for him to be in that court.

Chief Olujimi and Arakunrin Akeredolu (SAN) were partners, hence Arakunrin Akeredolu took over the case and since my father has gone to Abuja to commence legislative business, I was always going to court with the lawyers to represent him and this gave me a glimpse of their professional prowesses in court first hand.

Chief Akin Olujimi (SAN), soft spoken will quote tons of cases to justify precedence or convince the judges whilst Akeredolu will cite a few cases and hammer his case away.
The duos approaches were very effective reflecting on their achievements.

During the ill health of late President Yar’adua and death rumour, Aketi’s voice on what later became of his fate was so loud. He advocated that the president’s true state of health be made public and if incapable of performing his duties as president should step aside for his deputy.

As a politician Aketi was always also very bold bearing in mind he had reached the pinnacle of his career before full-time politics.
Bold, Fearless, courageous, are the few words constantly used to describe Aketi in public domain.

The killer Herdsmen issue was a scary reality and a very big threat to the south west and Nigeria a few years ago which informed the formation of Amotekun Security Outfit in the South-west States excluding Lagos. It was majorly championed by Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu and the PDP Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state against the stance of the Buhari administration at the time even when they were in the same political party (APC).

It’s really sad to see “Arakunrin” depart this early as I can imagine how much asset he could have been to the public out of government to social discuss or in the Senate addressing critical issues that impacts us all.

AMOTEKUN has been empowered by law and if properly maintained will outlive every contributor to its formation. Strong institutions are the pillars on which democracy can truly thrive.

Akeredolu was effective whilst here and may his soul rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers to his family, government and good people of Ondo state ????????