The national leadership of Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA) Alumni Association has expressed sorrow at the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu who passed on yesterday, December 27, 2023.
The president of the Association, Dr Olumide Olugbemi-Gabriel, in a statement signed by the Association’s National Publicity and Events Secretary, O’Seun Ogunsakin, said Akeredolu’s demise was a great loss to the country and Ondo State.
Dr Olugbemi-Gabriel who described Akeredolu’s death as the end of an era, said the deceased who was a special Yoruba breed was a bold and courageous patriot who always spoke truth to power.
He noted that Akeredolu was the masses’ voice of advocacy when some elements of darkness parading as herdsmen invaded the country particularly the Southwest, Nigeria.
The President added that the former visitor to the University was known for his truthfulness and loyalty to any worthy cause, including the growth and development of AAUA.
Dr Olugbemi-Gabriel prays for the repose of Akeredolu’s soul and wishes his family, Ondo State and Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Meanwhile the Association, has congratulated the new Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, with a charge not to give room for politics of bitterness.
In a statement signed by the association’s National Publicity and Events Secretary, O’Seun Ogunsakin, said he had no doubt about the new Governor’s competence having been openly commended by the late Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, during their inauguration in 2021.
Dr Olugbemi-Gabriel who urged the new governor not to allow people with divisive tendencies around him said Ondo State under his watch can only witness progress and development when politics of bitterness is shunned.
He added that the governor is now the father of all and must 0
the past in order to build a future which the people of Ondo State will be proud of.
The Alumni President also urged the Governor to give adequate attention to Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, noting that the varsity needs more attention from the government now more than ever.
“I congratulate the new governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his inauguration as the Governor of Ondo State. Though the circumstance was unexpected, I am not in doubt about your capacity to perform well having worked with the former Governor before his demise. Akeredolu himself had testified to your competence and all of us in Ondo State look forward to the progress and development of the state under your watch.”
“It is important to mention that some sycophants who are apparently enemies of the state would want you to play politics of bitterness. Your Excellency, you need everyone to succeed as Governor because of the herculean task ahead of your administration. It is the prayer of the Alumni Association of AAUA that you have a peaceful and successful tenure as Governor”, Dr Olugbemi-Gabriel said.