Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun have expressed sadness over the death of their Ondo counterpart, Rotimi Akeredolu, describing it as a painful loss to Yorubaland and Nigeria in general.

Mr Akeredolu, 67, died on Wednesday at an undisclosed hospital, according to cabinet members who preferred to remain anonymous.

Mr Makinde, in a statement by his media aide Sulaimon Olanrewaju, expressed heartfelt condolences to the late governor’s wife, Betty, the entire family, and the government and people of Ondo.

He described Mr Akeredolu, who, until his death, was the chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, as a dogged fighter and courageous leader.

“In Aketi, South-West has lost a dogged fighter and courageous leader who worked hard for the peace, prosperity and progress of the region.

“I have also lost a worthy co-fighter for the South-West cause because we were both at the vanguard of the struggle which birthed the South-West Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun,” he said.

Similarly, in his condolence message to the acting governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the family of the deceased and the people of the state, Mr Abiodun described Mr Akeredolu as a dogged fighter throughout his lifetime.

He noted that Mr Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), stood for equity and fairness in the 2023 presidential election when he was the chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum.

“Under his leadership, the state witnessed significant advancements in healthcare, infrastructure and education.

“His commitment to sustainable development earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and citizens alike,” he said.

He added, “In this time of immense grief, the people of Ondo State must unite and draw strength from their cherished memories of the late governor.”

Also, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun described Mr Akeredolu’s death as the end of an era.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Wednesday, the state spokesperson, Tunde Oladunjoye, described the late governor as a man of courage who gave all he had to his state and the country in general.

“Through politics, he bestrode the scene like a colossus and displayed loyalty, tenacity and integrity,” he remarked.

The Ondo State chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Anselm Ologunwa, described Mr Akeredolu’s demise as a colossal loss to the state and Nigeria.

Mr Ologunwa, in a statement by the association’s spokesperson, Daisi Ajayi, expressed shock over the news of the death.

He described Akeredolu as a great fighter of democracy, a dedicated and loving father of all.

(NAN)