Governorship candidate of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the forthcoming November 16 gubernatorial election in Ondo State, Hon. Gbenga Edema, on Sunday eulogised the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on his 68th posthumous birthday anniversary.
He described the late Akeredolu as a personality that would not be forgotten in a hurry because of his selflessness in the development and growth of the state, the South-West and the country at large.
In his tribute to the late governor at the 68th posthumous birthday on Sunday, Edema praised the former governor for “championing the cause of the people and the voiceless during his tenure,” as he emphasised the values and principles he(Akeredolu) stood for.
The NNPP governorship candidate noted that Akeredolu’s indelible footprints transcended the entire South-West and the federation as a result of his fearlessness in giving voice against injustice and as beacon of hope for the downtrodden.
He, however, lamented the inability and desire of his successor, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to immortalise the late Akeredolu, months after his demise
Edema noted that the remarkable strides and developments initiated by the late Akeredolu are currently facing neglect.
He said: “The late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu was a beacon of hope for the people of Ondo State and the entire South-West region. His commitment to justice and equity should have been honoured, but sadly, his legacy is being overlooked.
“Most of the infrastructural projects embarked upon by the Late Arakunrin have all been abandoned; contractors have since left the project sites.”
Edema expressed dismay over the erosion of Akeredolu’s legacies, saying Aiyedatiwa had failed to uphold the late governor’s ideals, particularly the current administration’s silence on the recent attack on Amotekun Corps operatives by suspected herdsmen.
He lamented the recent tragic incident in Ose Local Government Area, where two individuals were killed by gunmen while another five persons were abducted.
The NNPP governorship candidate said: “It is disheartening to witness the decline in the values that the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu worked so hard to instil in our state. His successor’s failure to uphold his legacy is a disservice to the people of Ondo State. He fought against all odds to ensure the creation of the South-West Security Network, which we all know as the Amotekun Corps.
“The recent violence and insecurity in Ondo State are unacceptable. We need decisive action to protect our people and restore peace to our communities.”
Edema, therefore, insisted that the people of the state deserve the right leadership in the months ahead, urging them to vote right.