The Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, buried his mother, Grace Akeredolu, on Saturday at his hometown in Owo, headquarters of the Owo Local Government Area of the state.
Late Mrs Akeredolu died on September 15, 2022 at her residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. She was 90.
She was buried on Saturday after the funeral service held at St. Andrew Anglican Church, Imola, Owo.
The ancient city of Owo was agog following the attendance of dignitaries from all walks of life.
Among the dignitaries that graced the occasion are the All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Senator Ahmed Tinubu; the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Abiodun Oyebamiji; the Minister for State for Science And Technology, Senator Olorunmbe Mamora; and members of the Ondo State House of Assembly led by the speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun.
Others include former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, and his wife; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State; former Ondo Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; Chief Bisi Akande; and Senator Ibikunle Amosun among others.
In his sermon, the Anglican Bishop of Owo Diocese, Stephen Fagbemi, charged the politicians and the political gladiators to begin their campaigns tours in hospitals.
He said, “Go to hospitals and schools and see what Nigeria is like. I encourage you to go to FMC here in Owo to campaign and see what the future holds. The poor are getting poorer. Nigeria needs a change that will ensure safety and security in villages.
“We need a government that understands economy. Life is hard in this country. Let our leaders be careful to help us move things forward. The best place to start campaign is in the hospital.”
The cleric also asked Akeredolu and his siblings to immortalise their mother because she lived a life of service to God and humanity.
In his remarks, the President, Major General Mohammadu Buhari (retd), who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, said the life of the mother of the Ondo governor deserved celebration.
Buhari said, “Today is a day of great joy. We have reached where we must celebrate one of the greatest legacy. It is a time to celebrate Mama because of the great deeds. The life of Grace Akeredolu is a life worthy of celebration.
“She lost her husband at the age of 50 and lived up to 90. She brought up her children. She made a great effort at raising four boys.
“She did very well indeed. We must thank God because not only did she bring up her children well but all of them are successful.
“What we must celebrate most is her service to God and mankind. We celebrate the life of a great woman; a woman who served God well and her community.”
Akeredolu, who responded to the sermon of the bishop, said, “We have listened to your sermon. It was wonderful listening to the sermon. I will not contend with you but I know as politicians, we are doing our best. It might not be good for everybody.
“You should also say the things we have done. Continue to pray for us so that we will do our best. We will look at it. It is not that we are not trying. We have our shortcomings.
“We have crops of politicians in the South-West that we can be very proud of. Not all of us shall die. We shall be here when Christ shall come.”
Expressing optimism that Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, would emerged victorious at the ongoing Osun State election petition tribunal, Akeredolu boasted, “Oyetola would regain his mandate very soon whether we like it or not. He is a man after my heart.”
Tinubu, in his remarks, urged Nigerians not to lose hope in politicians, saying the APC would do better.
He said, “Thank God we are alive. There might be weaknesses and inadequacies in expectation. No one wants failure. You cannot give up on us. We will do better.
“We will contribute to the improvement you might want. Mama has given us the grace of the day that she will not be the one to bury us. She had the greatest legacy of a life full of achievements.”
