In a tribute, Joyce Oduah FICMC mourns the loss of His Excellency Arakunri Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON, reflecting on his impactful leadership, mentorship, and philanthropy. Remembering him as a guiding light, she celebrates his humility, warmth, and commitment to uplifting others. His enduring legacy, beyond titles, lives on in the countless lives he touched. As the world bids farewell to this visionary leader, Joyce Oduah vows to carry forward his torch of compassion, justice, and commitment to a better world.
I pen down these words with profound sorrow, attempting to encapsulate the monumental loss we have suffered in the passing of a great leader and a good man, His Excellency Arakunri Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON. His departure has left a void that words can not adequately express. Yet, amid grief, I find solace in celebrating the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of a man who was not just a leader but a guiding light to many.
His Excellency was not merely a mentor; he was the embodiment of hope and inspiration. His discerning gaze saw within me a potential for leadership that I had not fully recognised in myself. With unyielding encouragement, he propelled me beyond the boundaries of my perceived limitations, urging me to soar to heights I had never dared to dream of. For the opportunity to serve alongside him at the National Executive Council of the NBA in the year 2008 to 2010, I am forever grateful. It was under his guidance that I transitioned from dedicated service at the Lagos Branch as 1st Assistant Secretary, Publicity Secretary, and Social Secretary to the National platform. He co-nominated me for the office of National Treasurer of the NBA.
Beyond the corridors of power, His Excellency demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to philanthropy as a Trustee of my foundation, the Fountain of Life for the Needy Foundation. His heartbeat was for the welfare of women, youths, and children, and he channelled his time and resources toward making a tangible impact on society. His legacy is not confined to the titles of President of the NBA and Governor of Ondo State; it lives on in the lives he touched, the causes he championed, and the countless individuals he inspired.
What set him apart, beyond his political and leadership prowess, was his humility, warmth, and accessibility. Despite occupying the highest echelons of power, he remained grounded and approachable, always picking up calls or returning them, even from numbers he was not familiar with. He carved out time for others and lent a compassionate ear to those in need. I fondly recall his love for Fela’s Afrobeat and the infectious joy with which he would recite a line from Fela’s track, “Water e no get enemy.” Such was his passion for life and his genuine affection for people.
As we bid farewell to my leader, my mentor, and my friend, the world mourns a luminary whose brilliance will forever illuminate our paths. Yet, in the midst of sorrow, we find strength in knowing that his legacy transcends the bounds of time. His indomitable spirit will reside in the hearts of those privileged to know him. I vow to carry forward the torch he so valiantly carried, aspiring to fulfil his vision for a legal profession, country, and world made better by compassion, justice, and commitment to the well-being of all.
In this time of mourning, may we draw inspiration from the remarkable life he led and find comfort in the enduring impact he made on our lives—my condolence to Her Excellency, his children, family, friends, the NBA and the people of Ondo State.
Farewell, our dear Arakunri; your memory will forever be etched in the annals of our heart.
With deepest condolences,
Joyce Oduah FICMC
Principal Partner, Joyce & Okey Oduah LP
Vice President West Africa, PALU
Former Council Member, IBA
