By Olusegun Olanrewaju, Cajetan Mmuta, David Lawani, Deborah Onyofufeke, Nathaniel Zacchaeus, and Cross Udo
For two ailing Nigerian leaders, death came calling at about the same time, barely hours apart this morning, but at different locations.
While former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba, gave up the ghost at an Abuja-based hospital, the late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, was said to have breathed his last at a German hospital, as against an earlier report which stated that he died in a Lagos-based infirmary.
Reports say they both took the bow between the early hours of 2am and 3am yesterday.
The late Na’Abba, 65, was the speaker of the Nigerian lower parliament between 1999 and 2003. He was said to have died after a protracted illness which was undisclosed.
Ondo State helmsman, Akeredolu, a former national president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), according to reports, fell to two deadly diseases -leukemia and prostate cancer.
His death, it was gathered this morning, was expedited by the lack of a dialysis machine needed for his treatment locally.
This, a source told ThisNigeria yesterday morning, contrasts with the situation when the governor was in Germany for a long time until recently when he relocated home.
Na’Abba had been having a running battle with the federal authorities and especially security agencies since he exited office.
It was also said that even when he was the Reps speaker at the outset of the current democratic dispensation in the country, the executive arm of government, particularly the presidency under former Olusegun Obasanjo, did not approve of his leadership.
At a point, he was upbraided by the presidency to concentrate on his ‘woes’ with the security agents rather than blaming the presidency for “his many travails”.
Born into the family of Alhaji Umar Na’Abba, a businessman in Tudun Wada, Kano, on 27 September 1958, the greater part of Na’Abba’s tenure witnessed grand plots by the Presidency to oust him, “to replace him with a compromising legislator”
This, it was learnt, roots the real issues that ruptured the relationship between the House and the Presidency.
An online news medium reports that the ex-speaker was ‘managed’ by State House doctors up to his death because they could not fly him abroad.
Aged 67, the source said, “They were looking for dialysis machines to be sent to his secret location in Lagos last week.”
The ailing governor had only recently returned to Nigeria in September following a three-month medical leave in Germany.
He then went into a direct and proxy war with his deputy over the modality for transferring power as stipulated by the constitution.
Only recently, the erstwhile governor of Nigeria’s ‘Sunshine State’ proceeded on another bout of ‘medical tourism’ after he was directed by President Bola Tinubu to hand over power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa since he could even barely be able to sign any letters.
His deputy, Aiyedatiwa who was standing in as acting governor, in a hail of triangular war involving the state House of Assembly members and caucuses loyal to Akeredolu, was yesterday sworn in to replace his former principal.
Following his return to Nigeria in September, Akeredolu stayed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, where he unsuccessfully tried to reignite his governance, trying to govern from another state, a move which triggered public outrage.
On July 9, Akeredolu’s wife, Betty announced the suspension of activities lined up to celebrate her 70th birthday.
The Ondo first lady announced the suspension of the activities in Twitter posts after questions were raised over plans to have a fanfare despite her husband’s ill health.
Emotions poured on a torrential note nationwide following the deaths of Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Na’Abba.
Na’Abba was buried yesterday in Kano, according to Islamic tradition.
In Akure, a new governor emerged as the erstwhile deputy to the late Akeredolu, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
*Tinubu: ‘He was my beloved brother, friend, and confidant’
Among the early mourners of the duo of ‘Aketi’ as Akeredolu was popularly known in political circles include President Bola Tinubu, former vice president Atiku Abubakar, state governors, National Assembly members, monarchs, as well as party leaders and non-state actors and groups.
Following confirmation by the Ondo State Government on the actual cause of his death (prostate cancer), President Bola Tinubu led the streaming column on mourners when he described the late Ondo governor as a ‘fearless, beloved brother, confidant, and political soulmate’.
In a statement he issued personally, the President wrote that it was with a heavy heart that he was paying tribute to someone younger than himself.
Tinubu’s words “It is a difficult task to have to pen a tribute and sing a dirge for a departing soul. It is a more difficult job in our African culture when one is compelled to do so for a younger person.
“Here I am, having the difficult job of singing a dirge for Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu; my beloved brother, confidant, political soul mate, and the Executive Governor of Ondo State.
“Rotimi was a man who moved our nation towards equity, fairness, and justice in his strident advocacy against every form of injustice in our country.
“This, he did, through the instrumentality of the law as a senior advocate, as attorney-general of his beloved state, as president of the Nigerian Bar Association, and as governor of Ondo State,’’ the president wrote.
He added that Akeredolu was an advocate of peace and security.
“Rotimi was a strong voice in the wilderness calling us to rethink our security architecture so we can have a more secure nation. His unrelenting advocacy led to the birth of the local police in the Southwest,” Tinubu noted.
Tinubu stated also that the deceased governor was a true Democrat who believed in the power of action and service.
“In Ondo State, where he had the honour to serve as the governor over the past six years, he served his people with absolute loyalty, dedication, and forthrightness.
“His footprints dot the entire landscape of the state through the hundreds of kilometres of roads he built; the many schools he built, and the healthcare facilities that he provided.
“During the dark hours when marauding agents of darkness killed 40 defenceless worshippers at a church in Owo on June 5, 2022, Rotimi’s leadership qualities as a true statesman and compassionate leader radiated brightly to the world.
“He was a mourner-in-chief who guided his people through an agonising period. Today, I mourn a fighter and fearless defender of truth and the masses,’’ Tinubu wrote.
*Nigerians from all walks of life mourn the tragic passing of Ondo gov, Akeredolu, and ex-Speaker Na’Abba
Former President Muhammadu Buhari expressed grief over the passing of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, describing him as a towering political and legal luminary.
The former president in a statement issued by Garba Shehu was quoted as saying, “I have lost a valued friend. I pray that his soul finds eternal peace. My thoughts are with the countless people who are inspired by his leadership in law and politics.
“My condolences to his family, the government and people of Ondo State, and our party, the All Progressives Congress.”
In the message to the large Na’Abba family in Kano, the government, and the people of the state, the former President described the demise of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, as a national loss.
“His insight into issues and nuanced understanding of politics had few parallels. Speaker Na’Abba was at the forefront of the defence of democracy at a time when it faced the threat of extinction by powerful forces. He leaves us with innumerable memories of his activism in politics. May Allah forgive his wrong deeds.”
On his part, the presidential candidate of the leading opposition party in the country and former Nigeria’s vice president, Atiku Abubakar, Atiku mourned Akeredolu and Na’Abba.
Expressing shock and sadness over the passing of the duo, Atiku, in a statement he signed yesterday, described the late Akeredolu as a quintessential gentleman who took the finesse to governance.
He said Akeredolu, a two-term elected governor, was a politician of class “because he was never known for destructive politics.”
On the other hand, he said Na’Abba raised the bar of legislative enterprise in Nigeria, adding that it was evident that the first session of the National Assembly where he served with distinction from 1999 to 2003 remained one of the best in the annals of the nation’s legislature.
“Both Akeredolu, Aketi, as he was fondly called, and Na’Abba will be sorely missed for the inestimable roles that they played in our national development. I express my deepest condolences to their respective families and pray to God to grant their souls a peaceful repose.
“I also join the good people and governments of both Ondo and Kano states to mourn the demise of these towering political figures,” the former VP said.
*A national loss –PDP
The PDP described Akeredolu’s death as a national loss.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba in Abuja, the party said Akeredolu was a courageous and amiable personality, as well as a brilliant lawyer.
The PDP also described the deceased as an outstanding administrator with a deep understanding and capacity for leadership, especially in his roles toward the unity, stability, and development of the nation.
“His death is a huge national loss. He was an unrepentant fighter for Fairness, Equity, and Justice in the affairs of the nation.
“He believed in true federalism, respect, defence, and protection of ethnic nationalities, which he advocated as a prerequisite for peace and development in our nation,” Oluogunagba said.
Commiserating with Akeredolu’s widow, Betty, children, and the people of Ondo State, the PDP spokesman prayed to God to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, and to the faithful departed, eternal rest in His bosom.
*APC gutted in grief
Former Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, who doubles as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party on which wings Akeredolu piloted his political career, also expressed mourning for the departed governor, as well as his fellow Kano compatriot, Na’Abba.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Edwin Olofu yesterday in Abuja, the APC chair described Akeredolu’s death as a great loss not only to Ondo State but also to the entire country.
According to him, Akeredolu’s death was also a loss to the progressive family, the legal profession, and the APC.
Akeredolu was a former National President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and a past chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum.
Ganduje’s words, “On behalf of members of the APC, I extend our deepest condolences to the family, the government, the people of Ondo State, friends, and loved ones of Akeredolu.
“We share in their grief and offer our heartfelt support during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. May they find solace in knowing that his contributions to Ondo State will be forever cherished.
“As we come to terms with this loss, let us honour Akeredolu’s memory by remaining committed to the ideals and principles he held dear.”
Ganduje also charged the people of Ondo state to continue to work together, building on his firm foundation and striving for the progress and prosperity of the state.
Also, the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) mourned, describing Akeredolu’s death as the end of an era.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) described the death of Akeredolu as a painful and great loss to the South-West.
The South-West Zonal Secretary of the party, Femi Olaniyi, said that Nigeria had lost a great leader.
“It is a painful one that the governor (Akeredolu) died and ended this way after struggling for so long for his life. We want to send our condolences to the family and all the people in Ondo state. This is the time in the morning not to celebrate anything, especially the politicians.
“We just need to pray for the family the governor left behind. AKETI has done well for Ondo state compared to all his predecessors,” Olaniyi, also the Lagos State SDP Chairman, said.
Olaniyi, who called on the government to immortalise the late governor, prayed for the repose of his soul.
Speaking on the demise of Alhaji Ghali Na’Abba, the former speaker of the House of Representatives, the SDP chieftain said that the late lawmaker would be remembered for his contributions to the nation.
“He (Na’Abba) has done his quota, he has done well for the nation as a public servant. We sympathise with the family and the nation.
“He was able to stabilise the house, there was unity in the house when he was the speaker. He campaigned against ethnic politics,” Olaniyi said.
He called on all the people in government to rally around the family and console them.
The late Na’Abba was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and became the party’s candidate for Kano Municipal Federal Constituency and won the seat in the 1999 general elections.
He subsequently emerged as speaker after the political crisis that led to the exit of the first speaker of the Fourth Republic, Salisu Buhari.
*Governors mark their register of grief
State governors went emotional while grieving one of their own who fell as well as an ex-parliamentary leader.
In Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke expressed sadness at the death of Akeredolu, describing it as a huge loss.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, in Osogbo, Adeleke said that the deceased, a former President of the NBA, made huge contributions in the legal field and public service.
He described Akeredolu as one of the finest minds in the legal profession in Nigeria, adding, “I want to say that his wise counsel and constructive contributions will be missed.
“Nigeria has lost one of its finest. I am shocked and shaking.”
Adeleke condoled with the family of the deceased and the government and people of Ondo State over the death.
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, expressed his condolences on the death of Akeredolu, describing it as a monumental loss to the Yoruba nation and the country at large.
Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said he was devastated by the news of the death of the Ondo State governor, adding that his administration and the entire people of Ekiti State identified with the government and people of Ondo State “at this critical period of mourning of the chief executive of the Sunshine State”.
The Ekiti state governor described Akeredolu as a legal giant and scholar, an administrator par excellence, a consummate and courageous politician who spoke truth to power till he breathed his last.
He said the late governor made a great difference in the lives of his people and the nation through a combination of purposeful leadership and commitment to excellent service delivery.
He regretted that Akeredolu’s death had robbed the country of a committed statesman who was interested in and was irrevocably committed to the development of his state and the country.
“This is indeed a sad day. I have lost a senior brother, a friend of our dear state, a dogged fighter and a visionary leader” Governor Oyebanji said.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described the death of his Ondo State counterpart as tragic.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta by his CPs, Lekan Adeniran, in a condolence message to the new governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the family of the deceased and the people of the state, Abiodun described Akeredolu as a dogged fighter throughout his lifetime.
He noted that Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), stood for equity and fairness in the run-up to the 2023 presidential election when he was the chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum.
Abiodun said that the late governor was a visionary leader, with an unwavering dedication to his people and social justice.
“Akeredolu made an indelible mark on Nigerian politics. From his tenure as the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association to his role as the chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, he continuously championed the cause of justice and the uplift of his people.
“Known for his tireless efforts to improve the lives of Ondo citizens, Akeredolu spearheaded major initiatives that brought about positive change.
“Under his leadership, the state witnessed significant advancements in healthcare, infrastructure, and education.”
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, expressed sadness over the death of Ondo governor, describing it as a painful loss to Yorubaland and Nigeria in general.
Makinde, in a statement issued in Ibadan by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, expressed heartfelt condolences to the late governor’s wife, Betty; the entire family, as well as the government and people of Ondo State.
He described Akeredolu, who, until his death, was the Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, as a dogged fighter and courageous leader.
He said the deceased worked hard with his colleague-governors for the peace, prosperity, and progress of South-West states.
He said, “I received with great sadness the news of the death of my brother, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, the governor of Ondo State and Chairman, of South-West Governors’
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, commiserating with the entire people of the state over the death of Na’Abba, said in a statement by his Director-General, Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature, said the deceased was a true democrat, who worked relentlessly to ensure the thriving of democracy, good governance, respect for rule of law and the championing the course of the common man.
“We received with deepest shock the death of our brother, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, in the wee hours of today (Wednesday), who died at the age of 65. He was a complete gentleman, a true democrat whose contributions to the sustenance of democracy in the country were appreciated and cherished by all,” he said.
The governor added that the former speaker’s death had created a wide vacuum difficult to fill not only in the extended Na’Abba family and Kano State but in the entire country as his contributions to strengthening democracy in Nigeria and beyond would continue to be remembered and commended.
Yusuf stated, “On behalf of the Government and good people of Kano State, we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, political associates, National Assembly, and good people of Kano.
“May the Almighty Allah grant his soul eternal rest, Jannatul Firdausi be his final abode, and may He give the family fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he added
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, expressed deep sadness on the passing of Akeredolu, at the age of 67.
Oborevwori’s condolence message is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, in Asaba.
He also expressed his condolences to Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, her family members, the government, and the people of Ondo State, on the passing of the renowned senior lawyer.
He noted that the late Akeredolu, who was the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, was an urbane and cerebral leader of great value who was progressively committed to the growth and development of Ondo State and Nigeria.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I commiserate with the Akeredolu family, the government, and the people of Ondo State on the painful passing of my brother governor, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN).
“As a senior lawyer and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Akeredolu contributed immensely to the growth and development of the legal profession in the country.
“Chief Akeredolu paid his dues and had a fulfilling legal career that culminated in his emergence as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association and later as Governor of Ondo state.
“It is my firm belief that the achievements of the late governor in the legal profession and the governance of Ondo state will continue to inspire many to take to the legal profession and contribute to nation-building,” Oborevwori said.
He prayed to God to grant the soul of the legal luminary eternal rest.
*The Eastern ‘front’
Anambra’ State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo expressed shock over the death of Akeredolu.
Speaking through his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, the governor described the deceased as a seasoned lawyer whose demise induced sadness.
Soludo prayed to God to grant him eternal rest.
He also condoled the Akeredolu family, the state, and the people of the state over the death of the governor of the state.
In the same vein, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, said it received with shock the demise of the Ondo governor and Na’Abba, saying that the country has lost two great men and giants of democracy.
National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Alex Chiedozie, in a telephone interview, told our correspondent: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide received with deep shock the news of the demise of Ondo State Governor, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu.”
The organisation described the deceased as a great politician and in-law of the Ndigbo, having married one of the daughters of the Igbo nation.
The Ohanaeze scribe noted that Akeredolu, until his death, was “a patriotic Nigerian who meant well not only for the people of Ondo State but also the entire country.”
He added, “During his time, Akeredolu displayed inter-ethnic mastery or relationship by marrying an Igbo; married our daughter and maintained cordial relationship with not just Imo State, but the entire Ndigbo and Nigeria in general.
“You can now know how soft he was with Ndigbo. A great in-law has died. It’s very sad, sorrowful and irreplaceable. There is nothing we can do, but being human, we have no option. We pray that God Almighty grant his soul eternal rest and give his bereaved family and Nigerians the fortitude to bear the loss.”
On the exit of Na’Abba, Ohanaeze noted that the former Speaker of the House of Representatives “served the country at the pinnacle of being the speaker of the lower chamber of the National Assembly”.
Edozie said that the tenure of Na’Abba as speaker was eventful.
According to Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, the news about his death is shocking and painful to Ndigbo, the nation’s parliamentary community; his family, home state, and the entire nation, “and about the death of these eminent personalities”.
*NGF Chairman mourns Akeredolu
Kwara State Governor and chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has expressed sadness on the death of Ondo State Governor Olurotimi Akeredolu (SAN), describing him as an exceptional statesman who made indelible marks in public service.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the Progressives Governors’ Forum, the government and people of Ondo State, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), as well as the immediate family of my dear brother and colleague His Excellency Olurotimi Akeredolu SAN,” the Governor said in a personal statement.
A frontline lawyer and conscientious politician of a progressive bent, His Excellency would be remembered for his courage, patriotism, and immeasurable contributions to the constitutional and sociopolitical development of Nigeria.
“As painful as his exit is to all of us, we take solace in his fine legacies as a gentleman and statesman. We ask God to repose his soul and look after his family.”
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*Northern governors mourn Akeredolu
The Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF) was not left out of the mourning train on the passing of Akeredolu
The forum extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Ondo over the demise of their governor.
NGF chairman, Inuwa Yahaya, of Gombe State, said this in a condolence message by his media aide, Ismaila Uba-Misilli, yesterday in Gombe.
He described Akeredolu as a leader who championed the transformation of Ondo and contributed to the development of Nigeria.
“We mourn the loss of a senior figure, friend, resilient advocate, and visionary leader whose attributes of excellence and remarkable brilliance positively influenced the transformation of Ondo State and contributed to the development of the country.
“We mourn the loss of our dear brother and friend, Governor Akeredolu. This is indeed a national loss,” he said.
The forum also sympathised with the late governor’s wife, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, the entire family members, and the Owo community over the loss.
Yahaya further acknowledged the late Akeredolu’s influential roles in various spheres, and his legacies as a lawyer, former Attorney General, NBA President, and chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum and the Southern Governors’ Forum.
He prayed to Almighty God to grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort those he left behind.
*Senators
Senators also mourned Na’Abba’s death.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; his deputy, Jibrin Barau; Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, and the Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, lamented the death of a former speaker of the House of Representatives.
Other senators who also expressed their condolences include Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North); Sani Musa ((Niger East); Ahmad Lawan (Yobe North) and Godiya Akwashiki (Nasarawa North).
In his statement, Akpabio expressed deep sadness at the death of Na’Abba, saying that it was saddening for the nation to lose the deceased at this time in its history.
“The former speaker is a patriot, selfless politician, and true democrat who sacrificed his ambition by repelling dictatorship and instituting the independence of the Legislature.
“I must say the mutual respect and understanding that exists between the legislature and the executive today is a direct product of the laudable antecedents of great leaders such as Na’Abba who sacrificed to institute genuine representative democracy in the country.”
Bamidele, the senate leader, also described the late Na’abba as an astute, fearless, and progressive legislator, who stood against the undue interference of the executive between 1999 and 2003 in defence of the independence of the National Assembly,” he said.
According to him, “Na’Abba fought hard for the independence of the legislature; committed himself to the principle of separation of powers and promoted the rule of law in his pursuit of a new Nigeria where Unity and Faith, Peace, and Progress truly prevail in all spheres of life.”
In his statement, Ndume noted that Na’Abba would be remembered for his principled stand for the rule of law and the independence of the legislature.
Musa, in his condolence message, expressed shock over Na’Abba’s death and prayed that Allah would grant the late Speaker Jannatul Firdausi, and all those he left behind the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
The senator described the former speaker as a strong advocate of democracy “who helped in no small way in playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s democratic governance at the time he was the Speaker of the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003”.
Lawan, a former Senate President, said Na’Abba was a strong advocate for democracy who played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s democratic governance during the time he held sway as Speaker of the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003.
Part of his statement read, “Former Speaker Na’Abba, is a respected statesman and a strong advocate for democracy, who played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s democratic governance.
“His principled stand against corruption and his dedication to the rule of law earned him widespread admiration. His contributions to our democracy will always be remembered.”
*Others
Top lawyer and Senior Advocate, Chief Mike Ahamba, said “I have a very responsible and respectable remembrance of Akeredolu. He was a true lawyer, a lawyer of nobility, a lawyer of honour, and a lawyer of learning.
It is a pity this sickness disturbed him. May his soul rest in peace.
“When he was president of the NBA, he stood firmly against anything that was against the tenets of the profession.
“I remember when he was president and I was complaining about what was done to my client at the court of appeal. He stood by me firmly and told me to ignore the threat, and I ignored it.
My position was that they should carry out whatever they wanted to carry out and let’s dance ourselves publicly, but he said he wouldn’t be a part of it.
He was quite a true lawyer and having come in as a governor, I think he has lived up to his expectations. But you know man proposes and God disposes. May the good lord receive his soul in paradise.
Another senior advocate (SAN), Mohammed Ndayako, noted that the deceased governor had been sick and that death is a natural thing.
Barrister Frank Tie Tie told a ThisNigeria correspondent: “He (Akeredolu) was such an example of a brilliant lawyer.
“He exhibited exceptional knowledge of the law. As a young lawyer, for me then, I looked up to him. His passing comes to me with so much sadness, not necessarily because he is governor, but because to me, the legal profession has lost a rare gem.
“Someone that I consider to be irreplaceable. He’s such a wonderful personality. I thought being a governor was something that was beneath his personality because I thought he gave his best to the legal profession and he was the number one lawyer in this country.
“That would have been enough, but to go further to become a governor, I think it was too much of a demand for him. Nevertheless, I think he wanted to give out his life to the service of the people”.
*Na’Abba’s death shocking, devastating –Yakassai
Elder statesman, Tanko Yakassai, yesterday described Na’Abba’s death as shocking and devastating.
He told newsmen in Kano that “Ghali is my son; he grew up to hold a position of authority, and his renowned principles on separation of power made him a speaker’s speaker.
“He died when his services were needed most.”
Yakassai added that “Ghali’s death at this point of our march to nationhood is simply irreparable.
“The late speaker treated both his seniors and younger ones with respect and dignity. I, therefore, want to commiserate with the Na’Abba family in particular, Kano State, and Nigeria in general over his demise. I pray to Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him aljannat firdaus.”
*Akeredolu was one of our shining lights, says Ibadan NBA
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan branch, mourned the demise of Akeredolu, describing him as one of its shining lights.
Chairman of the association, Mrs Folasade Aladeniyi, said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in the Oyo State capital, Ibadan, that the NBA, Ibadan branch, has lost one of its brightest “a friend, mentor, fearless and courageous man as well as a caring patron”.
She recalled that the late governor was a past secretary and chairman of Ibadan NBA before he later became the president of the association.
“He was always there for us, even before I assumed office and since I became the chairman, he had been working for my progress. I knew him to be a man of great faith in Christ. So all along, I was very hopeful that he would pull through the sickness.”
Also, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Kazeem Gbadamosi, described the late Akeredolu as his boss and boss to so many others whom he trained under his tutelage.
“He was kind, down to earth, and courageous; alas, he succumbed to death like every other man would do. May his soul rest in peace,” Gbadamosi said.
*Ondo indigenes mourn
As soon as the news of their governor’s death was broken, residents of Ondo State were thrown into mourning.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure, the Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 election, Adewole Adebayo, described Akeredolu’s death as unfortunate.
Adebayo said the entire people of the state would sorely miss Akeredolu “because he was a great asset to the state and the legal profession”.
He urged members of the public to contribute their quota to the development of their respective communities since life is transient, and “nobody knows tomorrow”
He prayed for the repose of the departed soul, asking God to comfort his family.
*Coalitions lament
Non-Governmental Organisations, pro-democracy groups too were not left out of the grief.
One of them, the Coalition of Pro-Democracy Groups for A Better Nigeria, said the International Community of Civil Societies had been thrown into mourning by the deaths of Akeredolu and Na’Abba.
The National Coordinator of the coalition, Bamiji Awa, said in Lagos that the death of the two Nigerian politicians was a big blow to civil society groups.
“We have just been thrown into mourning by the deaths of two key figures in Nigeria- Akeredolu (SAN) of Ondo and Na’Abba, who represented Kano Municipal Federal Constituency.
“The community of civil society organisations in Nigeria and beyond is touched by the sudden deaths of Arakunrin Akeredolu and Na’Abba, we shall continue to miss them,” Awa said.
*Monarchs/Religious leaders
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, described the demise of Akeredolu as a huge loss to the Yoruba race and Nigeria at large.
The Ooni, who stated this in a statement he issued yesterday, said the late governor was an epitome of honesty and courage, who lived a life worthy of emulation.
In his estimation, “the Oduduwa race has lost a pillar of honesty and courage; a man who served humanity with his expertise as a legal luminary, experienced politician and true descendant of Oduduwa”.
The Ooni stated, “When we were challenged at the grassroots by invaders who masqueraded as herdsmen, Aketi worked with stakeholders across South-West and the national level to deliver our mandate of security and prosperity.
“This birthed Amotekun and other initiatives through which our people are safer and more confident to embark on their lawful businesses daily.
“He was an honest, bold, and courageous leader whose legacy will never be forgotten. If Akeredolu tells you anything, that is the way it is.
“His death is a personal loss to me because we were very close, right from our days as students of Loyola College, Ibadan till date.
“He did a legacy project for the school through which his name will forever be remembered,” he said.
The royal father expressed condolences to the late governor’s wife, Betty, the family, President Bola Tinubu, the people of the state, and Nigerians in general.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also sent a strongly-worded condolence message to the family and the nation.
*Kano residents mourn former speaker Na’Abba
In the ancient city of Kano, residents have described the demise of former Speaker, Ghali Na’Abba as a huge loss to the state and the nation as a whole.
A cross-section of the residents, in separate interviews, said the late parliamentarian would be remembered for his passion for education, the rule of law, and the overall development of the country.
A director of federal civil service, Abdullahi Nura, said the late Na’Abba contributed to the development of the state and the country at large.
“Late Na’Abba always encouraged people to live in peace with one another and stand by the truth,” he added.
A former party ward chairman of the deceased, Aliyu Aminu, described the former speaker as a philanthropist who assisted the poor and the needy in improving their social and economic well-being.
A former lawmaker, Ashiru Abubakar, said the late politician always ensured peace and unity among the people.
A schoolmate, Ismail Sani, said he received the death of Na’Abba with sadness and described him as “a humble, pious leader whose conduct and character in life was to serve humanity.”
Also, a family friend, Baba Labaran, said the former speaker’s death created a vacuum difficult to fill, considering his contributions to peace, stability, and progress in his domain and the country at large.
*Aiyedatiwa takes oath as Ondo’s new governor
In another development, and following the sudden passing of Governor Akeredolu yesterday, his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has been sworn in as the state’s substantive governor.
The state Chief Judge, Olusegun Odusola, administered the oath of office to Aiyedatiwa during a ceremony held shortly after the news of Governor Akeredolu’s demise broke.
Aiyedatiwa was sworn in at the Governor’s office in Akure, the State’s capital at exactly 5.14 pm.
He has promised to complete his predecessor’s projects while in office.
