By Samuel Ogunsona
The late Governor of Ondo State, Olurotimi Akeredolu will be remembered for spearheading the formation of Amotekun Corps, the Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM) has said.
The Pan Yoruba group said Akeredolu stood firmly in defence of Amotekun even in the face of threats to his life from principalities and powers in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
On one occasion, Akeredolu’s convoy was attacked by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen who nearly killed him.
In the face of such threats, Akeredolu ordered suspected armed Fulani men in Ondo forest to vacate the indigenous territories. The build up of his campaign against terrorism in Yorubaland led to tye formation of Amotekun.
Many consider the bombing and bloody attacks on Owo, his hometown as a payback for his insistence that Amotekun has come to stay.
The Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM), a coalition of 130 Pan Yoruba groups expressed profound sadness on his death.
The group said he was a man of immense courage nurtured by stubborn moral highground in promoting the interest of Yoruba people
“We share in the pain of the family. We stand with the people of Ondo State at this grieving moment. Our heartfelt condolences go to the family, friends, and Yoruba people on the passing of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu” the group said in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Mr Popoola Ajayi.
Akeredolu spearheaded the creation of Amotekun in the midst of tensed power game and stiff opposition from the former central government dominate by the Fulani.
AYDM said the news of his demise has left a void that will be felt not only in Ondo State but also across the entire Yoruba nation.
“Governor Akeredolu was a courageous leader and a stalwart advocate for the development and progress of Yoruba land. His tireless efforts in promoting good governance, security, infrastructural development, and socio-economic empowerment have left an indelible mark on the hearts of the people he served” Ajayi said.
AYDM said Governor Akeredolu was a staunch supporter of the shared commitment to democratic principles, cultural preservation, and the overall advancement of the Yoruba people. His passion for justice, equity, and the well-being of his constituents served as a guiding light for our collective efforts.
The Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movements mourns the loss of Governor Akeredolu, and we join the nation in honoring his memory. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the people of Ondo State.
In tribute to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s legacy, the AYDM pledges to continue advocating for the values he held dear—unity, progress, and the prosperity of the Yoruba people.
The Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movements is a coalition of over 100 democratic and cultural organizations dedicated to promoting and preserving the values, heritage, and progress of the Yoruba people. The alliance works towards fostering unity, democracy, and socio-economic development in Yoruba land.