Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has described former Chief of Defense Staff, General Akani Akinrinade Rtd as a selfless leader whose contribution to enthronement of democracy in the country could not be forgotten.

The governor who was represented by his deputy, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, stated this at an event to mark the 80th birthday of the octogenarian held at International Conference Center, University of Ibadan in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

According to him, Gen. Akinrinade was a member of the Pro-Democracy advocacy group, NADECO, who fought for the democracy that Nigeria has being enjoyed since the year 1999 uninterruptedly.

‘Just like Moses who chose to suffer with the Israelites despite being conferred with Egyptian Prince hood, Gen. Akinrinade left his comfort zone in the military to join the NADECO chieftains in the trenches for the enthronement of democracy’,

“That Nigeria has enjoyed uninterrupted democracy since 1999 showed that people of the country valued the contribution of the likes of General Akinrinade’, the governor said.

While appreciating the past roles of the hero, Akeredolu said his continuous intervention in the nation’s polity would always put those in authority in check.

The occasion also had in attendance other officials of the Ondo State government including the Secretary to the State Government, Ifedayo Abegunde, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, his counterpart in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Tall Oluwatuyi and the Special Adviser on Political matter Hon. Victor Olabimtan among others.