It is with a heart full of gratitude for a life well-lived and an unyielding commitment to public service that I pen this tribute in remembrance of my leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, the Governor of Ondo State (February 25, 2017, to December 27, 2023). Your tenure remains a memorable and joyful chapter in the history of our dear Sunshine State, and your impact continues to resonate.
You were a man of conviction, predictable in your actions, and steadfast in your principles. Your clarity of purpose made it easy for anyone to understand your vision and align with it. A patriot in every sense, you devoted yourself wholeheartedly to the service of Ondo State and Nigeria. The vacuum you have left will be difficult, if not impossible, to fill.
Your achievements as governor were both monumental and transformative. They are visible to the blind and audible to the deaf. From infrastructure to security, your legacy is a testament to your dedication. The people of Ondo State affectionately called you “Mr. Talk and Do,” a title earned through your unwavering commitment to fulfilling your promises.
The role you played in the formation of Amotekun, our regional security outfit, stands out as a crowning achievement. It not only made Ondo State one of the safest places in Nigeria but also fortified the security of the Southwest as a whole.
The people of Ikare-Akoko will never forget your intervention in the construction of the Oke-Alabojuto dual carriage road, which brought an end to the tragic loss of lives on that treacherous axis. The Ore Flyover Bridge, which addressed incessant gridlocks and eliminated accidents, remains a legacy of your infrastructural vision and commitment to aesthetics.
My people in Idanre hold your memory dear for constructing an alternative entry road into the ancient kingdom, easing access, and fostering development.
When you assumed office in 2017, you inherited the burden of six months’ unpaid salary arrears. Through sheer determination and responsible governance, you ensured those arrears were gradually cleared, restoring dignity and hope to workers and retirees alike.
You also prioritized industrialization, and the Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub stands as a testament to your efforts to boost our economy. Your tireless work to secure the approval for the Ondo Seaport was a visionary move that will continue to yield benefits for generations to come.
Arakunrin Akeredolu, we all know that death is inevitable, but what truly matters is the legacy we leave behind. You did not carve your name on marble tombstones; instead, you etched it on the hearts of the people you governed.
I am proud to have been a member of your political association. Your life was a masterclass in impactful leadership, and your memory will remain evergreen in the annals of Ondo State’s history.
Rest on, my dear Aketi. Your legacy lives on.
Signed:
Engr. Ade Adetimehin,
APC, Ondo State Chairman.
