Akeredolu rallies support for late Oyo Speaker’s children

Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has called for support for the children of the late Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Michael Adeyemo.

He made the call during a condolence visit to Gov. Abiola Ajimobi in his office on Wednesday in Ibadan.

Our correspondent reports that the visit coincided with that of the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) and Oke-Ogun Conference of Obas.

Adeyemo, 47, died on Friday after a brief illness.

Akeredolu said that the sudden demise of Adeyemo was a rude shock to Olujimi and Akeredolu (O&A) law firm, adding that the late speaker was until his death a member of the outfit.

“Adeyemo is a prominent senior member of our office until his death. I know him to be an hardworking, diligent, unassuming and respectful person.

“I know he made a lot of impact in the state. His death is a great loss to the state and Nigeria as a whole,’’ he said.

Earlier, the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba AbdulGaniyu Adekunle, had described the late Adeyemo as a brilliant, easy going, hardworking, humble and peace-loving man.

The monarch, who spoke on behalf of his counterparts in Oke-Ogun axis of the state, commiserated with the governor on the sudden demise of Adeyemo.

“Your Excellency, we know quite alright that Adeyemo’s demise would have created a vacuum too difficult to fill, but we pray that God will give you a worthy replacement.

“We pray that Almighty God will grant the family, political associates and the state government the fortitude to bear the loss. We also pray that God grant him eternal rest,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Waheed Olojede, the State NLC Chairman, said the labour unions in the state were at the governor’s office to commiserate with him over Adeyemo’s death.

Olojede said labour received the news of Adeyemo’s sudden death with shock, describing it as a great loss to the country.

“It is a great loss for the state and Nigeria, we are with you and share the grief with you. There is no doubt a vacuum too difficult to fill has been created.

“Our prayer is that God will never depart from his family. Sir, you have started well and will end well. We pray that you shall end your administration without losing anyone again, “ he said.

He pledged the union’s support for governor and his administration, praying that God grant the family, the people of Ibarapa as well as the state the fortitude to bear the loss.

Ajimobi in an emotional-laden voice expressed appreciation at the visit, saying that the speaker’s sudden demise still remained a rude shock to him.

“All my career and up till now that I am 69 years old, I have wept only three times; the first was when my father died, the second when my mother died and third at Adeyemo’s death,” he said.

The governor, who nearly betrayed his emotion, ended his remarks abruptly.