On Wednesday, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State sought the support of traditional rulers in the state, requesting that they extend the love and support shown to the late governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Mr Aiyedatiwa stated this while receiving the Olubaka of Oka, Oba Yusuf Adeleye, who paid him a condolence visit over the demise of Akeredolu in Akure.

The governor described Mr Akeredolu as his brother, friend and boss, saying this made him miss the late former governor more.

He said the former governor died in active service, adding that the state government would give him a state-befitting burial once the family communicated the date for the burial.

Mr Aiyedatiwa, who called Mr Akeredolu a true statesman, said the state had already set up a committee to plan the befitting burial.

“For me, he is a friend, brother, principal, leader and my then-governor, whom I deputised for three years.

“The man whose impact on the state as governor can’t be forgotten and other initiatives that he put in place to make life better for our people.

“He has come and done his bit, but God has taken him home. We will miss him, but we will take solace in knowing that he lived a purposeful life while alive.

“He died in service, so he deserves a state burial and that is exactly what we will give him.

“We have even set up a committee; we are waiting for the immediate family; we are ready anytime they give a date,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Adeleye said the late governor only paid the supreme price every human being would pay one day, and he would surely be missed.

Mr Adeleye commiserated with Mr Aiyedatiwa and prayed for him, saying that God should guide and guard him to lead the state rightly.

(NAN)