The Southern Caucus of the House of Representatives led by Hon. Nicholas Mutu, has expressed it’s heartfelt condolences to the Ondo state government and the immediate family of the late Governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), whose death was announced on Wednesday, describing it as a painful loss.

The caucus in a statement by its Secretary, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, on Thursday, also condoled the Ondo state House of Representatives members, over the demise of the late governor, fondly referred to as Arakunrin or Aketi, by his friends, supporters and associates, while he was alive.

It described Arakunrin, who was a former President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) , as an accomplished legal luminary, intellectual and a courageous voice of reason whose individuality and unambiguity on issues of societal and national importance were never in doubt.

Hon. Ogene said further, “Aketi was a charismatic personality, who contributed immensely in the development of Nigeria’s legal profession and democracy, with passion, grace and fearlessness.

“He loved his people so passionately that it was never in doubt where he stood on matters that concerns the Yoruba race, the south and his immediate constituents, the Ondo people.

“Arakunrin was always there in the forefront, to speak for his people, fight for their interests and was an advocate for equity and fairness in the Nigerian system, till the end.

“The nation will miss Aketi. The South West has Indeed, lost a warrior. A courageous fighter. And the law profession has lost a voice, an intellect and a giant.

“As a caucus, we pray that the good Lord would grant his family the fortitude to bear the painful exit of this remarkable leader, family man and father. May his soul find eternal peace in the bosom of his creator.”