NBA pays tribute to late Ondo governor

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) organized a solemn valedictory court session in Ibadan to pay tribute to the late Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on Monday. 

At the event, the President of the NBA, Yakubu Maikyau, celebrated Akeredolu’s unparalleled contributions to the legal profession and national development. 

He referred to Mr Akeredolu as a beacon of integrity and courage.

“Leadership is not about power; it is about clear vision and unwavering responsibility. Akeredolu demonstrated the fact that leadership is not about the privileged minority but about service to the underprivileged majority.”

“In all the leadership positions he occupied, he was professional, ethical, bold, courageous, brave, and principled. He was one leader who would never compromise his position or standard. More than just holding offices, Mr Akeredolu was a defender of the masses, a crusader for the citizens, an advocate for the helpless, and an activist for the hapless. As Attorney General of Ondo State under a military regime, he displayed uncommon courage and unusual steadfastness by ensuring that although he was serving under a military regime, the rights of citizens were not violated, abridged, or trampled upon by the government of the day,” he said. 

The late governor led the NBA between 2008 and 2010 and was Chairman of the NBA, Ibadan branch, between 1992 and 1993. He was also a patron of the branch from 2017 to 2023.

Unfortunately, he passed away in December of last year while receiving treatment for leukaemia and prostate cancer in a German hospital.

Mr Maikyau reflected on the transient nature of life and the unexpected loss of Mr Akeredolu’s valiant battle against illness. 

He praised the former NBA President for his simplicity, ethical leadership, and unwavering principles. 

He said Mr Akeredolu was known for championing causes for the masses, which was evident in his establishment of Amotekun to address security challenges.

“As Governor, Aketi showed to all that governance is about service and not about pomp and pageantry. When the issue of insecurity was becoming the order of the day, Akeredolu rose to the challenge with the establishment of Amotekun – a regional vigilante body charged with securing the lives and properties of people. He was the first Governor to pick up this gauntlet. In my view, this is a practical demonstration of the provision of section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which provides that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” he stated. 

In 2022, the late governor was conferred with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), cementing his legacy as a visionary leader. Despite his passing, his impact resonates, inspiring others to uphold his values and principles. 

“For his contributions to the progress of Nigeria, he was recognized by the Federal Government and conferred with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in October 2022. There is no denying that the learned Senior Advocate left indelible footprints in the sands of time,” he added. 

The session concluded with heartfelt condolences to Mr Akeredolu’s family, the legal community, and the nation at large.

Honourable Justice Iyabo Yerima and distinguished Judges from the Oyo State Judiciary were present at the event to pay their respects.