Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State, conveyed his sorrow regarding the passing of the former Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, whom he affectionately referred to as his “personal lawyer.”
Akeredolu’s demise, reported on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at the age of 67, prompted Otti to release a statement on Saturday. He lauded the late Akeredolu as a bold advocate for citizens’ rights, highlighting his courage in fighting for these causes.
Moreover, Otti portrayed the late former Ondo governor as an adept lawyer, a cherished friend, a political interventionist, and someone with whom he held a special bond.
According to the Abia governor, “This is aside the fact that he was my personal lawyer prior to assuming office”.
Otti regretted that Akeredolu, who was serving out his second term in office, did not live long enough but asked the family to be encouraged by the impact he made and the legacy he left behind.
He specifically condoled the late governor’s wife, Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu, who he described as his sister, and prayed that God would grant her and the entire family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Otti also congratulated the new Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was sworn in shortly after the state government confirmed the death of Akeredolu.
He expressed confidence in Aiyedatiwa’s ability to steer the ship of Ondo State even though he was assuming office at a very critical moment in the political life of the state.
Otti said one of the ways the new governor would honour the memory of his late former boss was to see to the completion of the projects they started together.
