By Dr George Ogunjimi
My first meeting with Governor Rotimi Akeredolu was at the Ibadan home of the late Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, the late Alhaji Azeez Arisekola-Alao, about fourteen years ago where we were both introduced to each other’s as learned colleagues by the host.
Instantly, the late governor warmed into my heart with his impassioned words for humanity and his friendliness. We continued to exchange contact here and then until the need for greater security for Yoruba land arose and I led a delegation to him as a leader of the Igbimo Asoju Yoruba in Diasporas. We met with him to discuss our fears about the helpless insecurity pervading the Yoruba nation.
He promised to discuss the issues with his colleagues as the leaders of the Southwest Governors Forum and thereby address our concerns. Governor Akeredolu did and the Southwest Security outfit named Amotekun was birthed.
He was a man who delighted in tapping knowledge from every good head. Once he was able to get to know how knowledgeable and experienced someone was, such person would become an expert to him and delightfully too he would reward them.
I found out from my few contacts with him that he was an unapologetic Africanist. An optimist for a new world order and indeed a detribalised Nigerian who sought for the best for the people.
Akeredolu was undoubtedly a progressive politician who was also a forthright leader of the Bar Association and indeed made marks with his footprints written on stones.
His name will forever be written in gold as a leader who stood to forestall the invasion of our cities, towns, villages, communities and forests by alien herdsmen. He was indeed a courageous leader.
We mourn a legend of a leader who had so much to offer but called to glory at the unripe of 67.
May his courageous soul rest peacefully.
Dr George Ogunjimi
Igbimo Asoju Yoruba.
