Governors of the Southwest geographical zone on Friday pledged to constitute a joint committee for the burial of their chairman and late governor of Ondo State, Olurotimi Akeredolu.
The late Akeredolu was the Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum before his passage on Wednesday, December 27.
Four governors from the zone on Friday gave the pledge when they paid a condolence visit to the family of the departed governor in his private residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Governors on the visit include Ademola Adeleke – Osun, Dapo Abiodun – Ogun, Abiodun Oyebamiji – Ekiti and the host governor, Seyi Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal.
Speaking on behalf of his counterparts after signing the condolence register, Governor Abiodun said that they would be collectively involved in Akeredolu’s funeral ceremony.
They added that the deceased governor truly deserved it.
The governor said that a joint committee would soon be set up to work with the family and collaborate with Ondo State government to ensure a befitting burial for the late governor.
“Governors of the southwest states are here to commiserate with the Akeredolu family and Ondo State government, on the passage of our senior colleague and brother, His Excellency, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, who the Lord has called.
“We are still in a state of shock over Akeredolu’s demise. He was the chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, the positions he he led very courageously, fearlessly until his death.
“All of us are here, on behalf of our families and the entire people of south-west states to commiserate with the family, people and government of Ondo state.
“We pray that Almighty God will forgive all his sins. We also pray that God will grant the wife, children, people and government of Ondo State the heart to bear this sad, shocking and painful exit.
“We recall vividly how he resuscitated the southern governors’ forum meeting in Delta about two-and-a-half years ago and he consistently advocated for the returning of the presidency come to the south.
“He will be sorely missed by all of us,” Abiodun stated.
