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A socio-political group, Yoruba Ronu, on Tuesday celebrated the former governor of Ondo State, the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, in commemoration of his 70th posthumous birthday.
Prince Diran Iyantan, the chairman of the group, stated that they celebrated the late Senior Advocate for his contributions to security and nation-building.
He said the foremost socio-political organisation, which is committed to the unity, progress and development of Nigeria, joined millions of Nigerians in commemorating the 70th posthumous birthday of the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, an exceptional patriot, former Governor of Ondo State, and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
In a statement on Tuesday, Iyantan said: “Today presents another opportunity to celebrate a man whose remarkable contributions to the legal profession, democratic governance and national development remain indelible.
“As President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Akeredolu stood firmly for the independence of the judiciary, the rule of law and the protection of constitutional democracy. His courage, integrity and unwavering commitment to justice earned him the admiration of colleagues and Nigerians across political divides.
“Beyond the legal profession, Arakunrin Akeredolu distinguished himself as one of Nigeria’s foremost security thinkers. At a time when many failed to appreciate the looming dangers confronting the nation, he consistently warned that insecurity would worsen unless decisive measures were taken.
“He repeatedly advocated for the establishment of State Police, arguing that policing could only become truly effective when states were empowered to develop security architectures tailored to their local realities.
“His warnings, sadly, were not given the attention they deserved. He cautioned that criminal elements were gradually encircling communities and warned that kidnappings, which were then largely confined to highways and forests, would eventually spread into towns and residential communities if urgent action was not taken.
“Today, the unfortunate reality of widespread kidnappings, including the abduction of school children and innocent citizens, has vindicated those prophetic warnings.
“It did not have to get to this level. Had the nation listened to Akeredolu’s persistent calls for decentralised policing and comprehensive security reforms, Nigeria might have been spared much of the pain, fear and loss currently experienced across the country.
“History equally records Arakunrin Akeredolu as the driving force behind the establishment of the Western Nigeria Security Network, code-named Amotekun.
“At a time when the initiative faced stiff opposition and enormous constitutional and political hurdles, he remained resolute. He understood that extraordinary security challenges demanded bold and innovative solutions. His courage eventually paved the way for one of the most successful regional security initiatives in contemporary Nigeria, significantly strengthening community-based security across the South-West.”
The group, therefore, commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating the political will to advance the ongoing process toward the establishment of State Police through the proposed constitutional reforms.
The statement further reads: “We believe that the successful passage of the State Police Bill will strengthen intelligence gathering, improve response time, enhance rural security, protect vulnerable communities and provide state governments with the necessary constitutional framework to tackle emerging security threats more effectively.
“Such a landmark reform would not only address today’s security realities but would also stand as a fitting tribute to one of its earliest and most consistent advocates, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
“Seventy years after his birth, Akeredolu’s voice still echoes across the nation- not because he merely predicted the future, but because he offered practical solutions to the challenges that lay ahead.
“Great leaders are remembered not for occupying offices but for the ideas they leave behind. Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu belonged to that rare class of statesmen who saw tomorrow long before others did and possessed the courage to prepare for it.
“Yoruba Ronu salutes his memory and urges Nigerians to preserve his legacy by embracing bold reforms that will secure the nation and strengthen our federation.
“As history has repeatedly shown, visionaries are often ignored in their lifetime but celebrated by posterity. Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu was one such visionary- a true patriot whose wisdom continues to illuminate Nigeria’s path.
“Though the man is gone, his convictions remain alive; though his voice is silent, his ideas continue to speak. That is the enduring triumph of a patriot who truly lived, saw, and conquered.”
