“Aketi’s Departure Is Our Collective Loss”- NBA President, Maikyau Mourns Late Ondo State Governor, Akeredolu

It is with a heavy heart that I pay tribute to His Excellency, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, CON, SAN (Aketi), the Executive Governor of Ondo State and Past President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), whose transition took place on 27 December 2023 after a protracted ill-health.

His Excellency was called to the Bar in 1978 and had served the NBA in several capacities. He variously served as Secretary and Vice Chair of Ibadan Branch and went on to become the 24th President of the Association from 2008 to 2010 – one of the most influential and courageous Presidents ever to lead the NBA. The late learned Senior Advocate also served the nation in various other capacities at different times, one of which was as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice from 1997 to 1999 and later as two-term Governor from 2017 till his demise.

Aketi, as he was popularly called, was in our lexicon a true Bar man who firmly believed in the ability of the legal profession to make a difference in our society. It was this belief that led him into politics resulting in being elected twice as the Governor of Ondo State. Aketi will mostly be remembered for his forthrightness and down-to-earth perspectives especially on matters of national importance.

He will be positively remembered for his several contributions to the growth and development of Ondo State and the entire region. As Governor, Aketi was at the forefront of the establishment of the regional security network, Amotekun, to address security concerns in the western region. So far, the network has been effective in stemming the tide of terrorism, armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, etc., within the region and currently stands as a model for other regions to emulate. For his contributions to the progress of Nigeria, he was recognized by the Federal Government and conferred with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in October 2022. There is no denying that the learned Senior Advocate left indelible footprints in the sands of time.

I commiserate with the entire Akeredolu clan, particularly his wife, Betty, and children, on this very painful loss. I also extend my condolences to the Ondo State Executive Committee and the entire people of Ondo State. Aketi’s departure is our collective loss. My prayer is that God Almighty will comfort the hearts of all members of his family, his colleagues, and friends. May the peace of God which is beyond human understanding, protect our hearts and minds through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN
PRESIDENT