By Safiu Kehinde
Former Governor of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola, has said the late Governor of Ondo state Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu was integral to the reclaiming of his stolen mandate in Osun state in 2007.
Aregbesola, while reacting to the death of the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, said Akeredolu’s contributions to the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria were also immense.
Aregbesola wrote in his message released on Friday, |In this reflection, we recall Aketi’s pivotal role in a defining moment for our party, ACN, and the people of Osun in 2007.
He was integral to the legal team that fought tirelessly to reclaim the mandate given by the electorate.
“This legal battle was historic, marked by its length and the complexity of being tried twice, both initially and on appeal. After an arduous three and a half years, a favorable verdict was finally secured, just 180 days before the contested term’s end.”
Aregbesola said the departure of someone as dynamic as Aketi, at any stage in life, stirs what he called “a deep emotional current and a profound sense of loss within us.”
“This is the collective heartache we share as we reflect on the void left by his passing” the former Interior Minister said Describing his life as “a mirror of admirable legacy,” Aregbesola said he worked for the unity of the Nigerian federation.
“He navigated his roles with excellence – from steering the Nigerian Bar Association to advocating brilliantly in Nigeria’s highest courts, and from fostering progress across Ondo as governor to championing the unity of our federation.
“All the while, he stood as a pillar of love and guidance for his family, a devoted husband and a caring father. His story prompts us to reflect on the enduring impact of a life dedicated to service, unity, and family.”