Kolawole Babatunde, the former Special Adviser on Rural and Community Development to ex-Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has expressed his admiration and respect for the former governor.

Babatunde who paid glowing tributes to Akeredolu in a statement issued on Monday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, saluted the courage of Akeredolu.

The statement reads, “In solemn tribute to the late Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON who departed this sinful world on 27th December, 2023 after an unsuccessful battle with illness.

“Today, I celebrate a mentor and a leader of extraordinary courage and uncommon determination whose unmatched commitment to Ondo State's infrastructural development reshaped its landscape.

“For about five years and until his demise I was under the political tutelage of this erudite legal czar, unpretentious statesman and compassionate leader.

“The contributions of Arakunrin Akeredolu to national development were profound, marked by fervent advocacy for true federalism and equitable distribution of resources. As a world-class legal luminary, the late Aketi (as fondly called by his admirers) used the instrumentality of law to fight oppressive and repressive regimes thereby championing the cause of the common man.

“He was extremely brave, fearless, blunt and outspoken. He was a thorn in the flesh of the oppressors and agents of divisive tendencies.

“I want to particularly salute the exceptional courage and doggedness of the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON in spearheading the agitations for Southern Presidency when it became glaring that some politicians had perfected plans to perpetuate the North in power by jettisoning the operational rotational agereement after the eight years' rule of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Aketi became a lone voice roaring in the political wilderness that power must shift to the South at a time when it was unsafe to do so.

“When the Fulani killer herdsmen and marauders were on rampage in Ondo and other states of the South West Region, Akeredolu's leadership shone brightly in his pioneering role in establishing the Amotekun Corps, a crucial initiative ensuring the safety and security of Ondo State's citizens in spite of stiff oppositions by Federal authorities.

“The late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON remained undaunted even when his re-election bid in October 2020 was greatly threatened for his uncompromising stand on the vexatious issue of Fulani herdsmen.

“He was too passionate about his people and was ready to sacrifice his plum position to ensure their safety. No doubt, Ondo State and other states in the Region are safer now.

“No doubt, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON had etched his name on our minds and had left indelible footprints on the sands of time. May his legacy stand as an enduring beacon of dedication, progress, and legal advocacy for generations to come.