President of the Senate, Senator Godwill Akpabio, CON has expressed shock over the death of Ondo state governor, Chief Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, CON, SAN, describing him as “A nationalist and the Iroko of the Sunshine state”

Akpabio in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh said Akeredolu was a leader that knew his onions and was indeed the Iroko of Ondo state as he defended the state with all his strength as governor.

The Senate President eulogized the late governor whom he said spent his active life fighting for justice, fairness and equity adding that as a nationalist, noting that Akeredolu believed in true federalism, which he pursued with passion and vigour.

According to him, he was a leader that placed the interest of his people above every other consideration adding that, Aleredolu was a man of integrity and strong conviction with a strict work ethos and never paid lip service to the welfare of the people of the state.

The Senate President added that the deceased was a fearless lawyer who spoke truth to power regardless of whose ox was gored, saying as governor, Chief Akeredolu left his footprints in the sands of history, executing landmark projects and implementing people-oriented policies that earned him a second term in office.

He declared that the people of Ondo, the South West, and the entire Nigeria, especially the progressives will sorely miss Chief Rotimi Akeredolu because he lived a purposeful and focused life and distinguished himself as a lawyer and one of the best-performing governors in the country.

Akpabio expressed sincere condolences to the Acting Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Government and people of Ondo State and particularly his wife, Her Excellency, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and his immediate family.