The Convener of Igbimo Asoju Yoruba group, Dr George Ogunjimi has mourned the shocking demise of the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu.
Akeredolu died Wednesday at the age of 67 after a brief illness, Dr George Ogunjimi described Aketi as a progressive politician, he noted that all Igbimo Asoju Yoruba in Diaspora’s will forever miss Akeredolu for being the brain behind the creation of Amotekun and for being a fearless leader.
Read Dr George Ogunjimi Full statement below:
“My first meeting with Governor Rotimi Akeredolu was at the Ibadan home of the late Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, the late Alhaji Azeez Arisekola-Alao about fourteen years ago where we were both introduced to each other’s as learned colleagues by the host.
“Instantly, the late governor warmed into my heart with his impassioned words for humanity and his friendliness. We continued to exchange contact here and then until the need for greater security for Yoruba land arose and I led a delegation to him as a leader of the Igbimo Asoju Yoruba in Diasporas. We met with him to discuss our fears about the helpless insecurity pervading the Yoruba nation.
“He promised to discuss the issues with his colleagues as the leaders of the Southwest Governors Forum and thereby address our concerns. Governor Akeredolu did and the Southwest Security outfit named Amotekun was birthed.
“He was a man who delighted in tapping knowledge from every good head. Once he was able to get to know how knowledgeable and experienced someone was, such person would become an expert to him and delightfully too he would reward them.
“I found out from my few contacts with him that he was an unapologetic Africanist. An optimist for a new world order and indeed a detribalised Nigerian who sought for the best for the people.
“Akeredolu was undoubtedly a progressive politician who was also a forthright leader of the Bar Association and indeed made marks with his footprints written on stones.
“His name will forever be written in gold as a leader who stood to forestall the invasion of our cities, towns, villages, communities and forests by alien herdsmen. He was indeed a courageous leader.
“We mourn a legend of a leader who had so much to offer but called to glory at the unripe of 67”.
May his courageous soul rest peacefully.
