• Say late gov was a dogged, principled fighter
• Group alleges display of insensitivity towards Akeredolu during Aiyedatiwa’s inauguration
The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the last election, Peter Obi, has described the late governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, as a dogged fighter and principled leader.
Obi, who spoke when he paid a condolence visit to the Akeredolus in their Jericho home in Ibadan, in company of Prof. Pat Utomi, yesterday, said that Akeredolu was a dogged fighter and forthright person who always stood on the side of the masses.
He, therefore, prayed to God to grant the family, the Ondo State people and the entire country the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Also, Utomi, who was a classmate of the late governor at Loyola College, Ibadan, recalled that the character traits displayed by Akeredolu in the governance of Ondo State had been part of him right from secondary school.
He said Akeredolu was not the type of person who would keep quiet in the face of oppression and that he never compromised justice and equity.
He condoled with the people of Ondo State on the passing of Akeredolu, describing it as a colossal loss to both the state and the country.
The immediate younger brother of the deceased, Prof. Wole Akeredolu, thanked Obi and Utomi for the visit and their support for the family.
Meanwhile, a socio-political group, Conscience of Progressive Change, United Kingdom, has kicked against the alleged insensitivity and lack of respect towards the late Akeredolu during the swearing-in of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa last week.
The group, in a statement in Akure, lamented that “not even a minute of silence was observed for Akeredolu during the swearing-in of the new governor, Aiyedatiwa.
According to the International Coordinator of the group, Remi Ogunmola, the new governor didn’t show any respect for the late Akeredolu during the ceremony.
Ogunmola said that the display of insensitivity during the inauguration of Ayedatiwa further revealed no love lost between the two political leaders.
“Aiyedatiwa did not hesitate to celebrate his new found position as governor. What should have been a solemn and reflective occasion was turned into an atmosphere of jubilation and fanfare.
“During his speech, Aiyedatiwa began by exclaiming “A kuorire o” (Congratulations to us). The event was broadcasted live on national television, so it wasn’t done in secret.
“I find it difficult to comprehend how a man who has benefited from Akeredolu’s generosity could shout “A kuorire o” on the day of his death. Could it be true that Aiyedatiwa was eagerly awaiting Akeredolu’s demise?” he said.
