TheCable

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has mourned the death of Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo state.

The senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) reportedly gave in to leukemia and prostate cancer. He died at 67.

In a statement on Wednesday, Akpabio described the late Ondo governor as “a nationalist and the Iroko of the Sunshine state”.

The senate president said Akeredolu believed in true federalism, which he pursued with passion and vigour.

“I am sad that we have to lose Chief Rotimi Akeredolu this early in life,” Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio’s spokesperson, quoted the senate president as saying.

“He was a leader that placed the interest of his people above every other consideration.

“He was a man of integrity and strong conviction with a strict work ethos and never paid lip service to the welfare of the people of the state.

“He was a fearless lawyer who spoke truth to power regardless of whose ox is gored.

“As governor, Chief Akeredolu left his footprints in the sands of history, executing landmark projects and implementing people-oriented policies that earned him a second term in office.

“A man of style, Chief Akeredolu was obsessed with excellence.

“I believe the people of Ondo, the South West, and the entire Nigeria, especially the progressives will sorely miss Chief Rotimi Akeredolu because he lived a purposeful and focused life and distinguished himself as a lawyer and one of the best-performing governors in the country.”

The number three citizen condoled with Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, his wife; Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the deputy governor; and the people of Ondo.