By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has mourned the death of his counterpart, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, who passed on in the early hours of Wednesday.

Soludo in a statement by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime described the news of Governor Akeredolu's death at the age of 67 as a personal and collective loss, not just to the people of Ondo State, but to Nigeria as a whole.

He said that as a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akeredolu was a distinguished legal luminary, a fearless advocate, a passionate patriot, and a dedicated public servant who made a positive impact on the polity.

Soludo added: “As a governor, he left behind a legacy of remarkable achievements in Ondo State, demonstrably improving security, infrastructural development, and economic growth.

'His commitment to good governance and his dogged fight for the rights of his people earned him immense respect and admiration across the country.

“Also, Governor Akeredolu's contributions to the Southern Governors Forum remain invaluable. He was a vocal advocate for unity, equity, and justice for all Nigerians, always leading the charge with courage and conviction.

“His wise counsel, sound judgement and commitment to the ideals of federalism will be sorely missed in the forum.

The statement further said that Governor Soludo lost not just a valued colleague, but a trusted friend, and a confidant, saying that Gov Akeredolu was a man of integrity, humour, and exceptional intellectual depth.

“He was always willing to offer support, share his wisdom, and stand up for what he believed in.

“The Anambra State government hereby extends its deepest condolences to the Akeredolu family, the Government and people of Ondo State, and the entire Nigerian nation. May God grant them the fortitude to bear this painful loss”, the statement added.