Prominent Nigerians have started paying condolence visit to the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on the demise of his mother on Thursday morning at 90.
The residence of the late Grace Akeredolu in Ibadan witnessed a large crowd of people who came to condole the first family.
Among early callers were: The governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, his deputy, Bayo Lawal, Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi,former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Iyiola Oladokun; leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State led by the Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin; vicar of the All Saints Church, Jericho, Very Rev. Kalu Ndukwe.
Governor Akeredolu while addressing his visitors, he said “Maami was someone that was close to us. We lost our father over forty years ago. At the time of his death, I was the only graduate. And we are seven in number. And this woman was able to carry all of us through. Today, we have professors, judges, Doctor and all of us are graduates”
“She is a woman who had paid her price. And we owe her a duty. Coincidentally, I was here on Sunday, I spent some time with her here before going to the Bishop Francis Wale Oke program where we had dinner. I never knew that would be the last time,” the governor said
My mum, Grace Bosede, was a great woman and mother to all of us. I always say it. I have never paid rent in my life before. I lived in her house behind here till I moved to my personal house. Same for my brothers. I owe her everything in my life. She was particular about comfort for all of us. She is a woman that we loved so much. We will miss her.” He added
Engineer Seyi Makinde who spoke on behalf of the governors, commiserated with Akeredolu and his family. He prayed that God will give Governor Akeredolu and the entire family the courage to bear the loss.
Akeredolu appreciated his friends, familes and well wishes for their encouragement via visits, calls and text messages.
Meanwhile, Governor Kayode Fayemi has commiserated the Ondo State Governor.In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode described late Grace Akeredolu as a devoted Christian leader, supportive mother, confidant and encourager.The Governor said the deceased, during her lifetime, was an epitome of kindness, forthrightness and courage, same qualities which her son, Governor Akeredolu exhibits as a lawyer and public servant.
Fayemi noted that the late Madam Akeredolu was a rallying point for the Akeredolus following the departure of their patriarch over 40 years ago and did not waiver in standing in the gap for them till she breathed her last.
The Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum noted that though the late Madam Akeredolu lived to a ripe age, the vacuum created by her demise would make her children and close associates who usually looked up to her for prayers and wise counsel miss her sorely.
” I commiserate with my dear brother, Governor Akeredolu on the passing of his beloved mother, Lady Akeredolu. Mama was a woman of grace, blessed by God. She did not only give her children good education and supported them, she witnessed their greatness. She was a rallying point for many of us who are close to the family.
“Although her passing would leave a vacuum, it is a glorious exit, a celebration of life well spent in the service of God and humanity with attendant positive impact on the lives of many.
On behalf of my wife, the government and good people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with my brother, the Governor of Ondo State and the entire Akeredolus on this irreparable loss. May God grant the departed beloved mother eternal rest”, Fayemi said.