In a heartfelt tribute dated 27th December, 2023, Adesina Adegbite, the General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, recalls a recent dream of Akeredolu, unaware it coincided with the moment the governor passed away. Describing Aketi as a disciplined and courageous leader, Adegbite reflects on his encounters with the late governor from university days to political events, highlighting Akeredolu’s impact on the Nigerian Bar Association. The tribute reflects sincere condolences to Akeredolu’s family, friends, learned colleagues, and the people of Ondo State. The news of Aketi’s passing marks the end of an era for a man remembered for his strength, courage, and purpose.
TRIBUTE TO AKETi
The deceased Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu CON, SAN (popularly known as Aketi) was a man of destiny. I shed tears this morning when his death was confirmed to me, not because I was that close to him, or because of a special benefit I will miss as a result of his death, but mainly because I had engaged in an unusual conversation with a friend in the United States on Christmas Day (Monday, 25th December, 2023), during which we dedicated about an hour of the over 2hours telephone conversation to Aketi’s state of health and the political climate in Ondo State.
This caused me to remember Aketi in my private meditation session yesterday (26th December , 2023), and asked God to heal him fast and return him home safely.
The more important reason that I became so emotional over Aketi’s death, was indeed because I actually dreamt about the man ‘Aketi’ in the early hours of this morning, apparently just at about the time he was breathing his last. I never knew Aketi appeared in my dreams to bid farewell. He was looking very healthy and ebullient in the dreams. Almighty God, you are indeed the omnipotent!
Aketi was a man, a strong man in all ramifications. He was a goal getter, disciplined, courageous, and unapologetically blunt. Interestingly, I was never a fan of Aketi until about 8years ago, yet I’ve been understudying Aketi keenly since my University days, especially between 1999-2001, when I served as the Secretary and later the Chairman of Equity Chambers, in the Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. I often visited the Ibadan office of Olujinmi & Akeredolu at that time, either to drop invitation for events or seek financial support for Equity Chamber’s events or projects. Chief Olujinmi SAN was a very supportive Patron of Equity Chambers during my years in Ife. I must confess that while I will rather spend more time during any of my visits with Chief Akin Olujinmi SAN, who will always welcome me warmly and enriched my pocket whenever I was leaving his office, I only usually peeped to merely extend courtesy and see Aketi’s fine face on my way out. I didn’t consider him then as friendly as Chief Olujinmi. I later got to know that Aketi was not only friendly, he was indeed very social.
In 2007, when the politicking for NBA presidency against the 2008 NBA election was rife, I had by then become an active member of the NBA Ikeja Branch. I pitched tent with my Bar leader, Deacon Dele Adesina SAN against Aketi, but the leadership of Egbe Amofin prevailed on Deacon Dele Adesina to withdraw from the race for Aketi, who later became the consensus candidate of the West. The withdrawal of Deacon Dele Adesina led to Aketi becoming the only President that ever emerged unopposed, at least since the introduction of rotational policy in the NBA elections. As President of NBA, Aketi led the NBA with honour, courage and forthrightness. Aketi once admonished a Federal High Court judge in the open court for being overly discourteous and intemperate. He was never cowed. He was such a strong-willed personality.
I consulted several people of influence in the course of my preparation for my election as the General Secretary of the NBA, Aketi was the only serving Governor that I consulted personally. I recall being accompanied on the visit to meet with Aketi by three of my very good friends who were actively involved in my campaign, the trio of Lawal Ibrahim, Lekan Thanni and Lanre Obadina. In the course of the meeting, Aketi was emphatic on the need for me to be the consensus candidate of the South West, which eventually became a reality and I emerged victorious on a landslide scale. Even as a Governor, he didn’t mince words in canvassing support for my candidacy at Bar events that he hosted or graced as a guest. What he did not do financially, he did exceedingly well morally.
I was able to speak with Aketi only once since his health deteriorated, but always kept in touch with his aides to know how he was doing. The image of Aketi that I saw in recent time always moved me to tears. Certainly, if money could buy life, more money was available to kick death away from Aketi. It is therefore safe to conclude that the Almighty God has ordained this time for Aketi to return home. Afterall, this world is not our home, we are simply transiting through it.
Aketi’s strong antecedents stood him out. He was a Student Union leader while in the University of Ife. He was also a World Chief of Kegite. Aketi stood firm against all oppressive tendencies. He took Aluta with him to the court room; he demonstrated Aluta at the Bar; he exhibited Aluta in the political space. He was truly courageous and purposeful. Arakunrin Aketi, I have no doubt in my mind that the good Lord chose this day to call you home to rest in His bosom. Rest In Peace Aketi.
My heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, family members, friends, the entire legal profession (NBA National and Ibadan Branch), the Ondo State Government, the people of Owo and Ondo State in general, and his political family nationwide.
Adieu Aketi!!!
Adesina Adegbite (AA)
