The state commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, has described Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s death as a “monumental loss” to the South-West people. 

Mr Akeredolu, who battled prostate cancer, died last week in Germany. 

In a message to commiserate with the family of the deceased, Mr Adeleye said the late governor was a dogged leader who fought hard to ensure the people of the South-West were secure from the hands of marauders with the establishment of the Amotekun Corps. 

He said Mr Akeredolu, whom he described as a fearless fighter, died when the state and the country mostly needed his wealth of ideas and passion for infrastructural development. 

“He is a man of unequal integrity, a dogged fighter for justice, and a beacon of courage who fought hard to ensure that people of the state and the entire South-West are secured through the formation of the Amotekun Corps. 

“The late Akeredolu proved to be a special being who has written his name in gold as a man who rallied around his people in the face of adversity. A fearless fighter. A God-fearing Statesman and an advocate for democratic principles who left when he was needed most,” said Mr Adeleye, who also doubles as the special adviser to the governor on Security Matters.

According to him, Mr Akeredolu’s passion for the infrastructural and industrial development of the state, which had started yielding fruitful results, are legacies that would remain evergreen in the state’s history. 

“In this moment of grief, my family and I commiserate with the Akeredolu family, people, and government of Ondo State, as well as the entire Owo kingdom, over the demise of our illustrious son, a fantastic role model. 

“I  pray that God rest his soul in peace,” he added.

Following his death, colleagues from other states have expressed their condolences by extolling his leadership qualities, especially during herdsmen and farmers clashes.