…Says he’s a champion of rights and well-being

By Adedotun Ajayi

The remains of the late Ondo state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, arrived Akure, Ondo State Capital, on Wednesday.

Ondo state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa received the body of his late Predecessor at the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure on behalf of the people of ondo state.

In his remarks, Aiyedatiwa said: “With a heavy heart, I extend a warm welcome to all gathered here for this solemn occasion – the lying in state of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. Today, we come together to honor and celebrate the well-lived life of Governor Akeredolu, whose tireless dedication to the people of Ondo State resonates deeply within each of us.

“This session holds great significance as it marks the final place of work for our departed governor, where he served with unwavering passion, fairness, and equity, leaving behind a legacy that speaks volumes of his commitment to public service.

“In particular, we gather here today to offer our farewells to the late governor, a leader who understood the importance of valuing and rewarding the hard work of our state’s workers. As the biblical adage goes, ‘Workers deserve their wage,’ and Governor Akeredolu exemplified this principle by ensuring the payment of six months out of seven months outstanding salaries owed to workers from the previous administration.

“Following in his footsteps, the remaining one month of outstanding salaries has been settled under my administration. Moreover, the impactful programs initiated by Governor Akeredolu to improve the lives of our workers stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to workers well-being.

“To the dedicated workers of Ondo State, today, we bid farewell to not just a former leader and boss, but a champion of your rights and well-being.

“May the memory of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu inspire us all to uphold his legacy of integrity, compassion, and service to the people of Ondo State. Thank you.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele said the late worker-friendly Governor would be surely missed, commiserating with the Akeredolu family, people of the State and Government.

As early as 8am, students of various Government Schools from St. Louis Girls Grammar Schools, Oyemekun Grammar School, CAC Grammar School and many others with the Nigeria Flag in their hands gathered in their numbers at different strategic venues within the Akure Metropolis as a sign of respect to welcome the body of the Late Ondo Governor into the State.

Likewise, it was a solemn reflection as Ondo State Civil Servants troupe out from various ministries, top government functionaries to join the Governor for the Lying in State at the Governor’s Office.

Present at the Lying in State were;
The Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr.
Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal, State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, Secretary to the State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa and members of Late Governor Akeredolu’s family.