- Afenifere leader, Pa Fasoranti, mourns Ondo State Governor Akeredolu, hailing him as a pro-people activist and courageous leader
- Fasoranti praises Akeredolu’s dedication to security, establishment of state police, and efforts against Fulani herders, calling him a national figure
Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization Afenifere, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu. In a statement by Afenifere’s spokesperson, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Pa Fasoranti described the late governor as a quintessential gentleman, a professional, a patriot, and a courageous individual.
The elder statesman highlighted Akeredolu’s pro-people stance, emphasizing his activism on behalf of the people even before assuming the role of governor. He likened Akeredolu to the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, noting their shared commitment to advocating for the rights of the people. Akeredolu’s dedication to the establishment of state police and his role in the creation of the South West Security Network, Amotekun, were acknowledged as significant contributions to security initiatives.
Pa Fasoranti also recalled Akeredolu’s efforts in addressing challenges posed by Fulani herders in Ondo State, praising the late governor for taking decisive steps that influenced other states to follow suit. The statement described Akeredolu as a humanist with empathy and humanity in his interactions with people.
While expressing condolences to the family of the deceased, the people of Ondo State, and Nigeria as a whole, Pa Fasoranti noted that Akeredolu, although of Yoruba extraction, was a national figure, evident in his presidency of the Nigerian Bar Association and other accomplishments.
The passing of Akeredolu is mourned not only at the regional level but is recognized as a loss to the entire nation.