Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has pledged to continue celebrating and preserving the legacies of his predecessor, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The Governor made the pledge at a posthumous 70th birthday colloquium held in honour of the late former governor in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The colloquium, which focused on the theme, “Fundamentals and Governance of State Policing: Towards a New Architecture for National Security in Nigeria,” emphasised the need for a security framework that protects citizens, respects their rights, strengthens democratic accountability and responds effectively to the security realities of local communities.
The event was organised by the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Foundation in partnership with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission and the Southwest Governors’ Forum.
Speaking at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa described his predecessor as a man of many parts whose contributions left an enduring mark on Ondo State and Nigeria, noting that he departed too soon.
He recalled that when insecurity challenged the confidence of the Southwest, Akeredolu and his colleagues in the Southwest Governors’ Forum took concrete steps to protect the people and advocate a more responsive security system rather than merely complain about the inadequacies of the existing security architecture.
The Governor also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to moving the state police debate towards institutional reform, noting that the Presidential Working Group was developing a National Policing Bill aimed at addressing the country’s security challenges and strengthening policing at the sub-national level.
He said the courage, commitment to justice and dedication to public service demonstrated by Akeredolu remained enduring lessons for present and future leaders.
In his keynote address, Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the colloquium’s theme as timely, given the growing security challenges confronting the country.
He stressed that the greatest tribute to Akeredolu would not be limited to celebrating his achievements but would involve completing the unfinished work he left behind.
Chairman of the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Foundation, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Jnr., said the gathering was not merely an occasion to remember his father but also an opportunity to sustain the national conversation on security and governance.
Director-General of the DAWN Commission, Seye Oyeleye, also highlighted the significance of the colloquium and the need for a more effective security framework across the country.
Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside his Ekiti State counterpart, Biodun Oyebanji, pledged to preserve and sustain the legacies of the late Akeredolu.
Other dignitaries who paid tribute to the former governor included former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi; spokesperson of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Comrade Jaye Ajayi; and a representative of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeazor Akaraiwe.
They eulogised Akeredolu’s contributions to democracy, law and governance, describing his public life as a source of inspiration.
Speaking on behalf of the Akeredolu family, Kola Akeredolu expressed appreciation to those who attended the colloquium and all those committed to keeping the late governor’s ideals alive.
Orange FM’s Olumide Adeluwoye reports that the colloquium ended with renewed calls for the Federal Government and other stakeholders to intensify efforts towards establishing a policing architecture that reflects Nigeria’s security needs and responds effectively to the realities of its diverse communities.
