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Tag: Akeredolu

  • Aiyedatiwa names court complex after Akeredolu

    Aiyedatiwa names court complex after Akeredolu

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has immortalised his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu, as he announced that the new High Court complex to be constructed in the state would be named after the departed ex-governor.

    Aiyedatiwa disclosed this while speaking during the flag-off of the construction of the new high court complex also called the Judiciary Village in Akure, the state capital, on Friday.

    Aiyedatiwa described the project as a historic milestone for the state, adding that it was conceived under the leadership and vision of the late Akeredolu.

    He said, “This is a milestone celebration as we flag off the construction of a new high court complex in our dear state.

    “Since the creation of Ondo State in 1976, no attempt has been made to provide a modern edifice for the administration of justice.

    “Today, we are not only making history but also fulfilling a long-standing dream of the judiciary.

    “This development is the actualisation of the dream and vision of our late leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    “He desired to provide a state-of-the-art high court complex to enhance the workload and welfare of our judiciary.

    “Naming this project the Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu Judiciary Complex is a fitting way to immortalise his legacy.”

    Highlighting the importance of embarking on the project, the governor expressed his administration’s commitment to the advancement of justice and the welfare of judicial officers in the state.

    “Let me state with all sense of responsibility that we are embarking on this project at this time not because the state is too buoyant financially but because of our commitment to providing a good working environment with modern facilities that will enhance the welfare of our judicial officers, workers and people seeking justice, with the overall aim of speeding up the dispensation of justice in Ondo State.

    “This complex will include a ceremonial court, modular courts, a registry, a library, exhibition buildings, a utility building and modern parking facilities.

    “It’s designed to create a conducive environment for the administration of justice and to speed up the dispensation of justice in Ondo State,” he stated.

    Earlier in his welcome remarks, the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola lauded the initiative, describing it as a landmark achievement of the current administration in the state.

  • Court nullifies creation of 33 LCDAs in Ondo by late gov, Akeredolu

    Court nullifies creation of 33 LCDAs in Ondo by late gov, Akeredolu

    The Ondo State  High Court in Akure on Thursday nullified  the 33 Local Government Development Areas (LCDAs) created by late Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    Delivering judgment,  Justice A.O Adebusuoye, described the LCDAs as inchoate and not lawfully created.

    The court held that it was illegal for a governor to sign a law outside the state.

    The court added  that the Local Government Creation Law 2023 signed by late Akeredolu in Ibadan, outside the state ,was unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.

    Akeredolu had on Sept.  9, 2023 assented to the bill creating 33 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs in the state.

    The bill for the creation of the LCDAs was   presented to the late governor by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Oladiji Olamide, during a  ceremony at the governor’s residence in Ibadan, Oyo State.

  • Tinubu in Owo to condole Akeredolu’s family

    Tinubu in Owo to condole Akeredolu’s family

    President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday arrived in Owo, Ondo State, on a condolence visit to the family of the late former Governor of the state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    Tinubu also paid a condolence visit to the traditional ruler of the town, Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III.

    The president, who arrived at the Akure Airport at about 11:35a.m, was received by Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    Tinubu later arrived Owo town around 12:30 p.m. onboard a chopper accompanied by Aiyedatiwa and was received by the State Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami among other top politicians.

    The president will also visit the residence of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the Afenifere leader in Akure after leaving Owo.

    Akeredolu, 67, died on Dec 26, 2023 in Germany after protracted illness and buried on Feb. 23 in Owo

  • Tinubu, governors pay last respect to Akeredolu in Owo

    Tinubu, governors pay last respect to Akeredolu in Owo

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday led governors, members of the National Assembly and other dignitaries to the final burial ceremony of former Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, in Owo.

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume; and governors of Ekiti, Osun, Enugu, Bayelsa, Kwara, Benue, Lagos, Anambra, Ogun, Oyo and Delta states were all present.

    The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, chieftains of the party and other dignitaries were also present at the burial ceremony filled with grief held at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Imola, Owo,

    In his sermon titled “The Brevity of Life”, the Bishop of Ikwerre and Archbishop of Niger Delta Province, Anglican Communion, Rev. Blessing Enyindah, said “life is short, meaningless and vanity without God.”

    Enyindah emphasised the transient nature of life and the importance of making a meaningful impact while on earth.

    He said man’s life is like a shadow that vanished like a vapour and urged all politicians present to see to the hardship that Nigerians were facing.

    The Bishop, Quoting from Psalm 39 vs 4-5, urged attendees to reflect on their legacy and the significance of their actions.

    Enyindah highlighted the impactful contributions of Akeredolu to Ondo State and his dedicated service to the Anglican Church.

    He called for protection of Akeredolu’s legacy and for the government to continue with the projects he initiated but could not be completed.

    Speaking at the event, President Bola Tinubu, represented Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said Nigeria has lost a man who left “indomitable legacy of national service.”

    Tinubu said it was not a day to mourn but remembrance and celebration of life to God and humanity of Akeredolu , who served humanity to the best of his ability.

    ”Seasons come and seasons go, today is a day of remembrance, a day of celebration of life, to God and humanity, today is a day to pay our respect,” he said.
    He said Akeredolu left indelible blueprint in the sands of history and would forever be remembered by all.

    Also speaking at the church service, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa appreciated all dignitaries present to pay the last respect to his late principal.

    Aiyedatiwa described his former principal as a great man that would be remembered for his voice on national issues like rule of law and good governance.

    “On behalf of the people of Ondo State; on behalf of the family, I say thanks for coming. You are all here to pay the last respect to our departed leader; some of you are his colleagues; some are from his childhood friends,” he said.

    After the church service, Akeredolu was buried at a private programme, strictly for family members.

  • What Akeredolu will be remembered for – Gov. Aiyedatiwa

    What Akeredolu will be remembered for – Gov. Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Wednesday said the late former Governor of the state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, would be remembered for his good deeds, especially standing for truth and justice.

    Aiyedatiwa stated this during a special court session held in honour of the late former governor at the Ondo State High Court in Akure.

    He explained that the former governor used his knowledge, ebullience and capacities to defend the human peaceful existence.

    Aiyedatiwa added that the deceased deeds during his life time were greatly impactful.

    According to him, the deceased was after justice and rule of law.

    Aiyedatiwa said that late Akeredolu was always not pleased when justice was not served.

    He described the honour bestowed on the late governor as a well deserved because his life evolved around the legal profession.

    “He was an achiever with success stories. He stood firm and was committed to truth and justice,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Chief Judge (CJ) of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola, said that late Akeredolu remained celebrated in death more than being alive considering a reference to his achievements and attainment in life.

    Odusola said that the late governor was a courageous fighter, who faced the serious security challenges in the state with ingenious courage that had become a national model.

    He stated that it was more-worthy that the late governor did not interfere with judicial activities, even when it did not favour his desires.

    According to him, late Akeredolu was a man that lived with his words.

    “In my last encounter with him at a time when his health was obviously failing, Arakunrin still reiterated his desire to construct a judiciary complex that will be the envy of other states in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “He also spoke about judges’ welfare and I wondered how a man in such a condition could still love the judiciary so much as to remember the little promises he made,” he said.

    The CJ said that late Akeredolu was an outstanding legal icon and a political colossus, a man who was an exemplar of indefatigable courage, principled resistance with honesty and self-respect.

    He stated that late Akeredolu would continue to be a good reference point in humanity.

    In his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Yakubu Maikyau, described the late governor as a man with keen passion to help humanity and secure peace.

    Maikyau added that the deceased was a person of humility known for truth and justice, and asked the deceased family to take solace in the good deeds of the late governor.

    Dignitaries present include Gov. Abdulrasak Abdulrahman of Kwara; Ondo State Deputy Gov, Olayide Adelami; Chief Olusola Oke, SAN; and APC Chairman in Ondo State, Mr Ade Adetimehin.

    Others are human rights lawyer, Mr Kayode Ajulo; Ambassador Sola Iji, Speaker Ondo State House of Assembly; and former Inspector of Police, Mr Sunday Ehindero.

  • Akure stands still as Akeredolu’s body arrives governor’s office

    Akure stands still as Akeredolu’s body arrives governor’s office

    Residents of Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Wednesday paid their last respect to the late former Governor of the State, Rotimi Akeredolu.

    Students lined up at the major road side in the state capital to wave to the motorcade that brought the late governor to the state.

    Civil servants and residents were present at governors office, Alagbaka, to bid the former governor farewell.

    The body of the late governor arrived the governors office at 12:30pm for the brief lying-in-state programme which last for about 10 minutes.

    Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, while speaking at the programme, said the event was symbolic being the last workplace of the former governor.

    Aiyedatiwa said Akeredolu served the state meritoriously with passion and equity.

    He said Akeredolu was also a lover of workers which was why he cleared six out of seven outstanding salaries of workers he inherited from previous administration with further prompt payment of salaries.

    “This very session is symbolic because this was the last place of work of the governor, this complex, where he served the people of Ondo State meritoriously with passion and equity, all he did as governor of Ondo State is there for all to see.

    “This is to pay our last respect for the people to see him,” Aiyedatiwa said.

    Aiyedatiwa said Akeredolu lived a fulfilled and well-spent life.

  • BREAKING! Finally, remains of late Ondo Gov, Akeredolu arrives Nigeria

    BREAKING! Finally, remains of late Ondo Gov, Akeredolu arrives Nigeria

    Finally, the remains of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has arrived Nigeria.

    The plane conveying the body arrived at about 3:39 p.m on Friday.

    The late Governor’s remains were brought into the country from Germany, where he passed away.

    The body was received by his wife, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, his children, and siblings led by Prof. Wole Akeredolu, the immediate younger brother.

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbi Talabi; and representative of Osun State Governor, Senator Demola Adeleke also joined in receiving the body.

    Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Ade Adetimehin; a member of the House of Representatives, Gboyega Adefarati, and some members of the Ondo State Executive Council, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, were also present at the airport to receive the body of the former Governor.

    Family members, followers, friends, and associates could not control their emotions as the body of the late Governor was being lowered from the plane.
    Late Governor Akeredolu passed away in Germany on December 26, 2023.
    His remains have been deposited at the morgue until the final burial.
    Details of the burial arrangements will be announced by the family at a later date.

  • HoR minority caucus expresses grief over passage of Governor Akeredolu

    HoR minority caucus expresses grief over passage of Governor Akeredolu

    The House of Representatives Minority Caucus has expressed grief over the demise of the governor of Ondo State, Ogbeni Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN describing him as a a quintessential Bar man.

    Read full statement below:

    “On behalf of the minority caucus of the House of Representatives, I extend our deepest condolences on the passing of His Excellency, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, CON SAN, the governor of Ondo State.

    “He was a great leader and a quintessential Bar man. His term in office as Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President was characterised by the campaign by the NBA for the adherence to the rule of law. As Governor of Ondo State and Chairman of South-West Governors Forum, he prioritised the welfare and security of his people and championed the call for the establishment of Amotekun, a South-West security outfit created to enhance the security of lives and property in the zone.

    “Governor Akeredolu was a courageous and fearless leader who spoke truth to power. He was also a major advocate for the return of power to the south during the 2023 presidential election in the spirit of equity and fairness.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Betty, his family, the government, the people of Ondo State, and the entire nation during this difficult time.

    Governor Akeredolu’s contributions to Ondo State and the nation will be remembered, and his legacy will endure.

    May his soul rest in peace, Amen.

    REP. O. K. CHINDA
    Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Nigeria

  • Akeredolu’s death: Ondo gov, Aiyedatiwa declares 3-day mourning

    Akeredolu’s death: Ondo gov, Aiyedatiwa declares 3-day mourning

    The new Ondo State Governor,  Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa has declared three days mourning of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu who passed away in the early hours of Wednesday.

    Aiyedatiwa, who was Acting Governor, assumed the position of Governor following the death of Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.

    He declared three days of mourning in the state and ordered that the national flag in all establishments in the state should fly at half-mast.

    Details to follow…

  • Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s first speech as new Ondo State governor

    Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s first speech as new Ondo State governor

    Newly sworn-in Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has said it is with heavy heart to accept the role of becoming the number one citizen in the state.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that, the swearing-in ceremony of Aiyedatiwa as the Governor of Ondo State took place in Akure, the state capital.

    The state Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola, presided over the exercise.

    This development followed the demise of the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, on Wednesday.

    Aiyedatiwa in his opening remarks said: “It is with a heavy heart that I accept this onerous responsibility of taking over the reins of governance and affairs of our state after the unfortunate loss and passing of our beloved governor and leader and my dear principal Arakurin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.”

    “The death of our governor is indeed a devastating shock to us all, as we have all been praying earnestly for his quick recovery and subsequent safe return to Ondo State, having embarked on another medical leave on Wednesday, 13th December 2023.

    “Indeed, there is no armour against fate, death lays his icy hand on kings.”

    Aiyedatiwa commiserated with the immediate and extended family of  Oluwarotimi the late Akeredolu, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the Olowo of Owo, the people of Owo, and indeed the entire people of Ondo State over this monumental loss.

    He also described the deceased as a man of courage who always stood with the truth, even to his own detriment.

    Aiyedatiwa said the people of Ondo State and the entire South-West would not forget in a hurry the creation of Amotekun that checkmated banditry and kidnapping in the region.

    “The demise of Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu is indeed a great loss to me as an individual as our relationship dated back to many years ago, having closely worked with him when his gubernatorial journey started in Year 2012.

    He said that it was the first time that the state was having a transition in the history of administration and we must continue to sustain his legacy of good governance.

    The new governor said that his responsibility was to complete the landmark projects that his boss had started.

    He said It was necessary for him to acknowledge with pride the achievement of his former boss and would continue to advance the welfare of the people in every decision he would take.

    The governor later prayed that God would grant the Akeredolu family and people in Ondo state the fortitude to bear the loss.

    He also appreciated President Bola Tinubu, his Vice, Kashim Shetima and all who have provided succour and support for the state during this period.

    “I want to assure the people of Ondo State that under my watch, this administration shall continue to advance the welfare of the people. We shall always place the people first in every decision we take.

    “It is my prayer, once more, that God Almighty shall grant the family and the people of Ondo State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.

    Aiyedatiwa further declared three days of mourning in the state and ordered that the national flag in all establishments in the state should fly at half mast

    Controversy enveloped the politics of the state in the last few months with activists and constitutional lawyers calling on Akeredolu to transmit power to Aiyedatiwa in line with the 1999 Constitution.

    Aiyedatiwa was the deputy governor until Wednesday, December 13 when power was formally transferred to him after Akeredolu went on another medical vacation.