President Bola Tinubu has been urged to pay urgent attention to the spate of insecurity and untold hardship being faced by Nigerians.
This appeal was made by the Anglican Bishop of Ikwerre, The Most Rev’d Blessing Enyindah, who represented the Primate Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, at the burial service of former Governor of Ondo State, Late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.
At the burial service held at The Cathedral Church of St. Andrew, Imola, Owo in Ondo State, the Bishop in his sermon, advocated for immediate intervention by the president that will lead to the arrest and fixing of the problems threatening the survival of an average Nigerian.
Enyindah said: “May I on behalf of Nigerians pray and call on the President, Senator Bola Tinubu to do something to reduce the hardship faced by Nigerians.
“We have the hope he would do it because he promised us renewed hope and according to him, it is his turn, so the turn and opportunity have been given to him now. We are waiting and expecting the fulfilment of the renewed hope he promised.
The cleric who said the appeal was important in the interest of the downtrodden who could no longer feed themselves due to the skyrocketing food prices, noted that: “We plead with him (President Tinubu) to do it fast because time, that is, four or eight years as the case may be, is short and the time is running.”
While imploring families, friends, political associates, colleagues and sympathisers who thronged the church premises to pay their last respect to the late former Governor popularly known as Aketi, to live lives worthy of emulation, Bishop Enyindah said: “God has given us opportunity to live for a reason. Let’s make it purposeful and meaningful.
“As traditional rulers and political leaders, are you playing your roles as father of all?
“As professionals, are you following the ethics of your profession? It is important you don’t allow any form of inducement to affect your sense of judgement.
“Now to my constituency. You pastors, what are you doing to populate the kingdom of God? Don’t forget that it is your duty to stand by the truth at all times and never support any form of oppression. Always remember that a time is coming when you will account for your deeds on earth.
“Akeredolu has done his best, and I am sure he’s now resting with the Lord. Remember that people are taking note of your actions and inactions, and the heaven is recording them as well.”
In his tribute, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the solemn service, eulogised the late Akeredolu for standing for the truth, and always advocating for a just society.
The VP, while lauding Akeredolu’s indomitable legacy of national service, described him as a courageous, dedicated and fearless leader who always defended his people.
He condoled with the Akeredolu family, the church, people of the ancient city of Owo, and the entire Ondo state indigenes over the unfortunate loss of Aketi.
Also, in his short tribute, the Governor of Ondo state, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa thanked all who attended the burial service and have been standing by the Akeredolu family till date.
He was also full of gratitude to the church for not forgetting the contributions of Akeredolu, who was the Chancellor of Owo Diocese of the Anglican Church till death.
Noting that late Akeredolu was an illustrious son of Owo and Ondo state, Aiyedatiwa described him as a courageous leader and fighter who stood by his people when the going was tough.
He stated that although the death of his principal was least expected at this time, but God knows best.
In an emotion laden voice, the Ondo Governor said: l can never forget my principal (Akeredolu), because we shared a lot together. He paved way for me to be where I am today. He nominated me as Deputy Governor. He gave me opportunity to be Acting Governor anytime he went on leave, and now even in death, he made me the governor of Ondo state.”
The highpoint of the service was the announcement of a Posthumous Award of Excellence for the late Akeredolu by the church, and it was presented to Oluwarotimi Jnr. by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima
Dignitaries at the burial service include the Vice President, Kashim Shettima who represented President Bola Tinubu; all Southwest Governors, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ondo (Host); Seyi Makinde, Oyo; Biodun Oyebanji, Ekiti; Dapo Abiodun, Ogun; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos; Ademola Adeleke, Osun; and Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Umar Ganduje.
Other governors in attendance were Godwin Obaseki, Sheriff Oborevwori, Hyacinth Alia, Duoye Diri and Chukwuma Soludo; Edo, Delta, Benue, Bayelsa and Anambra respectively.
Some former governors who graced the burial service include Dr Olusegun Mimiko, Ondo; Abdulaziz Yari, Zamfara; Gbenga Daniel, Ogun; Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti; Ibikunle Amosun, Ogun; and Niyi Adebayo, Ekiti.
Also present are the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio represented by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kayode Ariwoola, represented by Justice Helen Ogunwumiju; Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Akin Olujimi; Chief Judge of Ondo state, Justice Olusegun Odusola; judges from within and outside Ondo state, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana; many Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) and representatives of prominent traditional rulers.
Other dignitaries in attendance were the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most. Rev’d Jude Arogundade; Bishops from different parts of Nigeria; wife of the founder, Synagogue Church of All Nations, Evelyn Joshua; Akeredolu’s wife, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu; children of the deceased, political associates, professional bodies among others.
