Our Reporter, Abuja & Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
After months of battle with cancer, Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, Wednesday, passed on.
His demise has been confirmed by the State Government which described him as an extraordinary leader.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, in a statement issued in Akure, said “it was a sad day in Ondo state.
The statement reads “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.
“The family and the state government will release further details regarding the funeral arrangements.
“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 Southwest 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.”
Meanwhile the Acting Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been sworn-in as substantive governor of the state in line with the Constitution of the country.
The swearing-in was held at the Cocoa Conference Hall in the governor’s office in Akure, the state capital with the oath administered by the chief judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola at 5:18 pm.
Present at the swearing-in ceremony were other judges and top government officials, including the secretary to the state government and members of the state cabinet, the state All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman and members of the state house of assembly.
