The Tough Battle Akerodolu Fought With Leukemia

BY BUSY BRAIN

On Wednesday, December 27, 2023, Governor Akeredolu of Ondo State put upon a greatness trust while in active service. Arakunrin Akeredolu Aketi gave it all to death after a tough battle with leukemia and prostate cancer. Between Akeredolu and death, it was a survival of the fittest. At the end, death won. The duo of leukemia and prostate cancer inundated and left Ondo State in a somber mood and happy mood.

The oxymoron of somber and happy mood is esoteric. While his death will constitute a great loss to some people, it will amount to gains for some who have been thirsty for power and appointments. It will still amount to jubilation for those whose horses were gored during the political rumpus in the State. In whatever sides people might belong, the death that kills one's kinsmen is speaking in parables. Eventually, all living soul shall taste death.

Akeredolu in a short video clip spoke in satire while alluding to a sermon delivered by a pastor in their church. The clique in the church comprises mover of shakers of Nigeria's politics and policy. It was a conglomeration of Political big wigs. Akeredolu's remarks were about people amassing wealth for those who will spend on their behalf, he said, not only death can make people to spend money on the owner's behalf, EFCC can equally spend money on the owner's behalf by the virtue of power conferred on them. The moment Akeredolu mentioned EFCC, the political grandeur burst into laughter. The wisdom in Akeredolu's short message was eroded with laughter. Unknowingly, death is in Akeredolu's pocket, just like every other person.

It is painful to the marrow that Aketi was the victim of his words. He amassed wealth with influence and affluence, but the depth of his wealth could not save him from death. He has left everything for those who will spend on his behalf. Shame on money that could not be used to buy health or rig death verdict like election. Akeredolu tried all he could do to survive, but death won.

On Sunday, 27 November 2016, Akeredolu was announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission as the winner of the Ondo State governorship election. He polled 244,842 votes in the election to defeat Eyitayo Jegede with 150,380 votes and Olusola Oke with 126,889 votes. He spent his first tenure and was sworn in for a second term in office on 24 February 2021. Arakunrin and his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, assumed office on the same date before 'poli-tricks' placed a discord.

During his tenure from the first term to the point of death, Aketi was at the forefront of the establishment of the Regional Security Network, Amotekun to address security concerns in the face of strong criticism and reproach. Of all his concerns, security of lives and properties remains a priority. He did all he could do for his people in terms of development. He tried his best to serve the State. He has his flaws like every other mortal being, no one is perfect.

In the words of Isaac Asimov, American author and professor of biochemistry, "Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It’s the transition that’s troublesome.” The troublesome transition has occurred and Aiyedatiwa has taken over with immediate effect. He has started making appointments and forming a cabinet. That is life, it awaits no one. Life goes on.

American writer, Isabel Allende, Chilean posits that, "Just as when we come into the world, when we die, we are afraid of the unknown. But the fear is something from within us that has nothing to do with reality. Dying is like being born: just a change.”

No one wishes to die because the world is too much with us. The sad reality is that death is inevitable. Akeredolu has joined the rank of people who died in office just like the former Head of State, Gen. Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi; former Military Governor of Western Region, Col. Adekunle Fajuyi; and former Head of State, Gen. Muritala Muhammed, former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua; former Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Shehu Kangiwa; and former Governor of Kaduna State, Patrick Yakowa.

Condolence to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governors' Forum, the Southwest Governors, the Ondo State, the family, NBA, and the Owo people for the transition of Arakunrin Akerodulu Aketi to the world beyond. He fought a tough battle. May his soul continue to rest in peace.


Busy Brain is an opinion writer, journalist, poet, researcher, and Public Relations Specialist. He has been featured in Nigerian Tribune, The Nation, Thisday, Vanguard, National Pilot, Newsexpress, and Osun Defender. He is the Kwara South Correspondent at Justevent online news and a reporter at Affairs TV news. He writes columns in the Osunspring newspaper page. He is the publisher of Salient Reporters.

It is not easy,, he fought to live but death won. May he continue to RIP