Your Excellency, it has been two years since you departed but I keep feeling like it was just yesterday because everything about you still feels fresh, and the one word; PHENOMENAL that defined you in my heart from our days as Commissioners has stuck even as I write this tribute.
Today I go back in time to the defining moments of your stewardship as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo state during the military era.
There were three things that defined your stewardship;
You were extremely bold in speaking truth to power, so much that you did that to your boss a good number of times when you felt he was not doing something right but you did it with great humility, and he was always eventually grateful
You were willing to stand alone as long as you were convinced that something was right
You were willing to die defending your people’s interest
Very importantly you did these things without wanting anyone to know, YOU WERE A MAN DRIVEN BY CONSCIENCE
Two decades after, you became Governor and you still brought exactly the values and character you exhibited as a Commissioner to your job as Governor.
You were a CONSISTENT man, a rare breed!!
You administered the affairs of Ondo state so well that it will be absolutely IMPOSSIBLE to erase your legacies.
On a personal note I thank you deeply for finding me worthy to serve the state in several capacities, most especially the appointment as the first Female Secretary to Government in Ondo State, and for supporting me to succeed like you did for every appointee of yours.
You related with all of us more like a friend than a boss and I am sure everyone is grateful.
I bless God for all you were able to do while you were here.
Rest on PHENOMENAL AKETI
Signed:
Princess (Barr.) Catherine Oladunni Odu
