The Southern Caucus of the House of Representatives, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Nicholas Mutu, has expressed its condolences to the Ondo state government and the immediate family of the late Governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), whose death was announced on Wednesday.
According to Daily Post, the caucus in a statement by its Secretary, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, described the death of the governor as painful.
It also condoled the Ondo state House of Representatives members, over the demise of the late governor, fondly referred to as ‘Arakunrin’ or ‘Aketi’, by his friends, supporters and associates, while he was alive.
It described Arakunrin, who was a former President of the Nigeria Bar Association, as an accomplished legal luminary, intellectual and courageous voice of reason whose individuality and unambiguity on issues of societal and national importance were never in doubt.
Hon. Ogene said, “Aketi was a charismatic personality, who contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria’s legal profession and democracy, with passion, grace and fearlessness.
“He loved his people so passionately that it was never in doubt where he stood on matters that concerned the Yoruba race, the south and his immediate constituents, the Ondo people.
“Arakunrin was always there in the forefront, to speak for his people, fight for their interests and was an advocate for equity and fairness in the Nigerian system, till the end.
“The nation will miss Aketi. The South West has Indeed, lost a warrior. A courageous fighter. And the law profession has lost a voice, an intellect and a giant.
“As a caucus, we pray that the good Lord would grant his family the fortitude to bear the painful exit of this remarkable leader, family man and father. May his soul find eternal peace in the bosom of his creator.”