Prominent lawyers have continued to mourn the death of former Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, describing him as a very brave, courageous and forthright statesman whose legacies would live after him for a very long time to come.

According to them, Nigeria has lost a giant of the legal profession, an unwavering beacon of justice, and a patriotic statesman.

Meanwhile, in a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN stated that “Aketi, as he was popularly called, was in our lexicon a true Bar man who firmly believed in the ability of the legal profession to make a difference in our society. It was this belief that led him into politics resulting in being elected twice has the Governor of Ondo State. Aketi will mostly be remembered for his forthrightness and down-to-earth perspectives especially on matters of national importance.”

In a statement issued yesterday, a former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Chief Bayo Ojo, expressed his deepest condolences to the government and people of Ondo State following the sudden and tragic demise of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

He described the late governor as a very brave, courageous and forthright statesman whose legacies would live after him for a very long time to come.

He said Akeredolu was a great Nigerian, an unimpeachable patriot, a sound legal mind, and a quintessential legal luminary of global reputation, whose death would marked the end of an eventful career of an exceptional Nigerian, whose love for country was exceptional.

He said: “I was saddened with the news of the passing on of Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu (Aketi) as we fondly called him. He was a great statesman whose legacies will live after him for a very long time to come. He was always very brave, courageous and forthright in all his dealings.

“He affected the lives of the citizens of Ondo State and his friends alike positively. Above all, he was a consummate and quintessential lawyer and Bar man through and through. He will be sorely missed. I commiserate with his wife, children and family members. May his soul rest in peace”.

“I feel a deep sense of loss on hearing the news of the demise of our former NBA President, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN. A great Nigerian, an unimpeachable patriot, a sound legal mind, and a quintessential legal luminary of global reputation. His death, no doubt, marked the end of an eventful career of an exceptional Nigerian, whose love for country was total, he added

Also, Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi SAN said: “Aketi from of old was a great man and noble Nigerian, who ran his race with vision and passion, excelled in all he did and leaves a void big to fill.”

In a statement released yesterday, former President, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr. Olumide Akpata said “With profound grief, I mourn the passing of my dear friend, elder brother, distinguished predecessor, and the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, affectionately called Aketi. We have indeed lost a giant of the legal profession, an unwavering beacon of justice, and a patriotic Statesman.

“Aketi’s outstanding legal career spanned over four illustrious decades. As a lawyer, he was brilliant and courageous and impacted the legal landscape in Nigeria significantly. During his tenure as the 24th President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) from 2008-2010, he left an indelible mark on the NBA with his bold reforms and advocacy.

“Despite his busy schedule as the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Aketi remained committed to the NBA and also continued to work assiduously for the transformation of the administration of the justice system. My engagements with him revealed a genuine human being – a man truly committed to fundamental human rights and social progress. He embodied and personified the highest ethics and values of the Bar – an advocate for justice, a defender of rights, and a true social engineer.

“Aketi’s departure leaves an unfillable void in Nigeria’s legal community. However, I find solace in the fact that he lived a life of purpose, service, and sacrifice for the greater good. The outpouring of tributes from across Nigeria is a testament to his outstanding legacy that transcended ethnic, religious, and political lines.

“My deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Arabinrin Betty, their children and grandchildren, his partners and staff at the law firm of Olujinmi & Akeredolu, and the good people of Ondo State. I pray for God’s strength and comfort as you bear this monumental loss.

“Farewell Aketi! You were an extraordinary lawyer, leader, and human being. We will sorely miss your larger-than-life presence, but your exemplary life will remain an inspiration. As we grieve, we also celebrate the privilege of your friendship and your towering legacy.”

On his part, fiery human rights lawyer, Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa SAN wrote: “Here was a man of courage, valiant and steadfast. Committed to true federalism and good governance and saying the truth the way it is, always. He rallied national support against terrorism and rose in defence of his people when it mattered most.”

THISDAY reports that a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Wahab Shittu, SAN, described Akeredolu as a kind man, adding that his death is a huge loss not only to the nation and the good people of Ondo State in general but the legal community.

“I recall my intimate personal conversation with him at the lobby of Rockview Hotels , Wuse 2, Abuja, a year before he was elected as the Executive Governor of Ondo State during his first tenure. He had recalled his deep sacrifices to his party and his wish to transform his native Ondo State if given the opportunity to serve as its executive governor. I had encouraged him not to lose hope in the realisation of his ambition.

“I never had the opportunity of visiting him in Ondo State before he passed on, but the incidence and encounters hereinbefore narrated linger on in my memory about the persona and kind heartedness of His Excellency.

“It is really unfortunate that this morning, death came and snatched away a persona that l consider a real human being-passionate, principled, kind, simple, practical and down to earth and revolutionary.

“The bar is proud of the accomplishments of Aketi both in his stellar services to the bar and his tour of duty as Executive Governor of Ondo State.

“If anyone is in doubt of the accomplishments of the late eminent silk, please undertake a visit to Ondo State and you will marvel at the radical transformation of Ondo State under His Excellency’s watch. Farewell our Great Aketi.”

On its part, the umbrella body of lawyers of Yoruba extraction, Egbe Amofin O’odua described Akeredolu as “a quintessential legal practitioner and consummate bar man whose foot prints shall be difficult to erase in the legal profession. He was extremely passionate about our profession. He will sorely be missed. His demise has come at a time when his wise counsel would surely be needed by Egbe Amofin.”

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