Aiyedatiwa Sworn in as Ondo Governor, Nigerians Mourn Akeredolu, Na’Abba

•Ex-governor succumbs to prostate cancer at 67 

•Dies in Germany after multiple organ failures, infection 

•Former Speaker dies at 65

•Shettima, Kwankwaso, others pay last respects as ex-speaker is buried

Fidelis David in Akure and Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Ondo State Deputy Governor and acting governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was yesterday sworn-in as the substantive governor of the state, less than 24 hours after news of the passing of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu broke.

Aiyedatiwa took the oath of office amid a nationwide mourning of his former principal, who died of prostate cancer on Wednesday in Germany. 

Akeredolu died in the early hours of yesterday after a protracted battle with prostate cancer, and later leukaemia. He was 67.

THISDAY learnt from close family sources that Akeredolu suffered multiple organ failures and had infection, before he passed away.

The eighth Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, also died yesterday, in Abuja, at the age of 65. An aide to the deceased, Ahmad Tijjani Lawan, said Na’Abba died yesterday morning at the National Hospital, Abuja, after a protracted illness.

President Bola Tinubu led other Nigerians, including governors, the leadership of the National Assembly, and prominent citizens, to mourn the two eminent Nigerians, who passed on suddenly.

Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, administered the oath of office on Aiyedatiwa around 5pm yesterday, at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office.

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

In an address after his swearing in, Aiyedatiwa said it was with a heavy heart that he accepted the onerous responsibility of taking over the reins of governance of the state.

He stated, “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.

“The demise of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, 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 2012.

“The loss then did not affect our relationship, as we continued to maintain close political and personal relationship, which climaxed in 2020, when he graciously picked me as his running mate for his second term as Governor of Ondo State.”

The new governor said, “Governor Akeredolu was a man of courage and conviction, who always stood for the truth even at his own detriment. I remember vividly during the time when we had a case in court challenging our second term victory.

“He still pursued the matter of emplacing a strong security network for the people of the South-west, codenamed ‘Amotekun Corps’.

“The people of Ondo State and the entire people of the South-west will be eternally grateful for this bold act, which has greatly improved the security architecture in the region and reduced incidents of kidnapping, banditry and other acts of criminality to the barest minimum, especially in Ondo State.

“His many legacies in the health sector, infrastructure development, education, industrial development, as symbolised in the Ondo-Linyl Industrial Hub, Ore, his innovation in Ondo State Entrepreneurial Development Agency, his Tech Hub, etc. will be difficult to surpass.”

Aiyedatiwa said the events that culminated in the ceremony were a watershed in the history of Ondo State, as it was the first time the state would have a transition in an administration.

He explained, “Today’s event has placed a burden on all of us to pull together and stay together as one, because we have the onerous responsibility to continue to sustain the legacies of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, which was good governance, properly called.

“Our leader and governor, during his time, embarked upon several landmark projects, many of which have been completed and several ones ongoing.  We now have the responsibility to complete them.

“It is to the credit of Arakunrin Akeredolu that the state now has a flyover in Ore, while the one in Akure is ongoing. It is necessary for us to acknowledge with pride the wonderful achievements and legacies of Arakunrin Akeredolu. His records of performance are monumental and unprecedented.”

The new governor assured the people that Ondo State under his watch, would continue to advance the welfare of the people and always place them first in every decision.

Family: Our Patriarch Has Departed

Formally confirming the passing of the former governor, his family, in a statement titled, “Our Patriarch Has Departed,” said, “With deepest regret and profound acceptance of the will of the Almighty, we announce the passing of our beloved, courageous, and compassionate father and grandfather, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.

“He peacefully departed in his sleep at a hospital in Germany, where he was undergoing treatment for protracted prostate cancer.

“While we are deeply saddened and devastated by his departure, we find solace in the understanding that as he transitions to eternity, he will be guided by the benevolent hands of the angels of light, with whom he resided during his remarkable and fruitful journey on earth.

“During this challenging time, we sincerely appreciate everyone who has stood by us and extended their support since the news broke. We humbly request your prayers and support, while also asking for privacy as we navigate through this trying period.”

The family, in the statement by Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu, Jnr, said, “Details regarding the burial arrangements will be announced by the family and the state government in due course.”

State Govt: It’s Sad Day in Ondo

Ondo State Government, in a statement yesterday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, titled, “It Is A Sad Day In Ondo State,” confirmed that Akeredolu answered the eternal call while receiving medical treatment in Germany and succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer.

The statement said, “With a heavy heart, the Ondo State Government announces the tragic passing of our beloved Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.

“Mr. Governor peacefully departed from this world in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 27, 2023. This tragedy has left behind a profound void in our hearts.

“Governor Akeredolu answered the eternal call while receiving medical treatment in Germany. He succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer.

“A letter has been sent to President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, to officially inform His Excellency of this devastating news. The family and the Ondo State Government appreciate Mr. President for his support for Governor Akeredolu during his illness.”

According to Ademola-Olateju, “Governor Akeredolu was an extraordinary leader, whose unwavering dedication to the state and its people was both commendable and unparalleled. He not only served as the governor of Ondo State, but also emerged as a prominent advocate for the entire South-west region and the nation.

“Governor Akeredolu was a courageous leader and an exemplar of integrity. The weight of this loss is truly unbearable. However, we find solace in the knowledge that Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu lived a purposeful life, devoted to the service of God Almighty.”

Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and former Attorney General of Ondo State, was a second-term governor before his death and served as Chairman of the South West Governors Forum.

Throughout 2022, there were speculations in Ondo State about the health of Akeredolu, but nobody knew what to believe until January this year, when his wife, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, released a viral audio, where she accused her husband’s Special Adviser on Public and Inter-Governmental Relations, Ms Bunmi Odumosu, of fortifying her husband with concoctions.

Mrs Akeredolu revealed that her husband was, indeed, battling a serious health challenge, and warned Odumosu to stay away from him and stop sneaking in with concoctions.

The situation continued until June 13 this year, when Akeredolu officially transferred power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, through a notification sent to Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji.

He stated in the letter that he would be proceeding on a 21-day medical vacation from June 7 to July 6, 2023, but, when the letter expired, he issued another, this time, extending his leave indefinitely.

For the second time in the year, Akeredolu embarked on a three-month medical vacation in Germany and, subsequently, returned on September 7.

Following his return, Akeredolu stayed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, and tried to govern his state from there, a move that drew criticism from various quarters.

There was controversy over Akeredolu’s failure to return to the state or make a public appearance, which fuelled suspicion that the state was being governed by proxy.

The most dramatic manifestation of the conflict between him and his deputy occurred after he returned from his three-month medical leave and fired the media aides to his deputy over alleged misconduct.

The feud between Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa escalated into a power struggle, casting shadows over the state’s peace and stability.

As a result of the crisis, the state was plunged into a period of unprecedented political turmoil and uncertainty.

But after the intervention of Tinubu, on December 13, Aiyedatiwa assumed office as acting governor.

His Profile in Brief

Akeredolu was born on July 21, 1956 in Owo, Ondo State, to the late Rev. J. O Ola Akeredolu of Owo and Lady Evang. Grace Akeredolu of Igbotu Ese Odo Government Area of Ondo State.

Aketi, as he was fondly called by friends and admirers, started his primary education at Government School, Owo, before proceeding to the famous Aquainas College, Akure, in 1968.

He later proceeded to the prestigious Loyola College, Ibadan, in 1969 to complete his secondary school. He also attended Comprehensive High School Ayetoro, for his Higher Secondary School Certificate.

Akerdolu was admitted into the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, in 1974 and obtained his LLB degree in 1977. He proceeded to the Nigerian Law School for his B.L in 1978.

He was Managing Partner at the law firm of Olujinmi & Akeredolu, which he co-founded with Chief Akin Olujinmi, a former Attorney General and Minister for Justice.

He was Attorney General of Ondo State from 1997 to 1999 and became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1998. Akeredolu was president of Nigerian Bar Association from 2008 to 2010.

He was elected Governor of Ondo State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in November 2016 and re-elected in 2020.

Former Speaker Na’Abba Dies at 65

The eighth Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, died yesterday in Abuja at 65.

An aide to the deceased, Ahmad Tijjani Lawan, said Na’Abba died Wednesday morning at the National Hospital, Abuja, after a protracted illness.

Na’Abba, born on September 27, 1958, was buried according to Islamic rites in his Kano hometown yesterday.

Na’Abba joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 1998 during its formative stage, and emerged the party’s standard-bearer in the April 1999 National Assembly election in Kano Municipal Federal Constituency.

He was elected as the 8th Speaker of the House of Representatives after the removal of Ibrahim Salisu Buhari, the first speaker in the Fourth Republic.

Na’Abba left behind one wife, 10 children, and three grandchildren.

Shettima,Kwankwaso, others pay last respect as ex-speaker is buried

Meanwhile, the remains of Na’Abba was laid to rest in Kano, yesterday, and witnessed by top flight politicians, including Vice-President Kassim Shetima and the former Presidential candidate of New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Others who attended the funeral prayer led by the state Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, included, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, the Senator representing Kano South, Senator Kawu Sumaila, former Governors, Sule Lamido, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau.

Also present were political, religious, and traditional leaders across the country.

The unprecedented crowd made it difficult for the body to be brought out for prayers and was left in the ambulance that conveyed the corpse to the emir’s palace, where the Chief Imam of Kano Central mosque, Professor Sani Zaharaddeen, led the prayer session.

The former Speaker who died in Abuja earlier on Wednesday after a protracted illness was brought to Kano for burial rights which took place around 5:30 pm.