Why the Memorial Lecture Series For Arakunrin Can Never be Out of Order

By Kehinde Bisi-Taiwo

The 27th day of December, 2023 can never be wished away by anyone in the history of the sunshine state, not even by the Late Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu’s sworn enemies if any still exist after his exit.

Aside from the fact that he paid his dues as the Sixth Executive Governor of Ondo-State, he contributed his valuable bit Nationally too earning him the prestigious National Honor of CON.

It will thus, be preposterous and unacceptable for any condemnation arising from any angle to rubbish the right thing to do at this time, marking the passing to rekindle the legacy of Arakunrin who will surely be missed for his frankness on all issues without minding whose ox is gored.

Pa Seinde Arogbofa OFR Presided over the proceedings of the day and he brought his experience as a renown author, educationist and capacity leader to bare the way he conducted the event of the day.

Every goodwill message at the International Culture and Events Centre venue of the maiden edition of the Memorial Lecture Series extolled the bravery, boldness and down to heart disposition of the departed hero.

The erudite silk, Chief Femi Falana SAN who was a close ally and professional colleague of Late Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON as Guest Speaker, dealt extensively on the topic of the day which bothered so much on security reform a part of our national challenges where Arakunrin contributed immensely at the risk of his seat and his life leading to the birth of the Amotekun Corps in the Southwestern Nigeria today.

The guest lecturer went further the memory lane to inform the gathering of Arakunrin’s ability to be both a devout Christian singer and at the same time an Afrobeat Star who was versed in the Fela lyrics and recounted the day he led them to stand in the gap as the entertainer with Fela’s vibes while the musician that was to perform at an International bar event when he (Femi Falana) was the President of the West African Bar Body.

He commended Ondo State Government for being up- to -date with the federal government on the issue of counterpart funding of basic education.

He went on and on, but concluded that, the best security reform could best be achieved by Government addressing the flaws in employment, economy and providing the best atmosphere for citizens to thrive in their spaces.

Jamiu Ekungba a childhood friend of the Late Governor made it known to the audience that, despite being a son of an Anglican Reverend, his Late friend attended Arabic classes with them at the mosque. He was free minded and never discriminatory.

Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire while making his contribution at the occasion made it clear that, despite the doggedness of “Mr Talk and do” he usually give his ears to superior logic, bows to same and was always quick to take correction, make amends, without claiming to know it all while he lived.

The Chief host at the event, His Excellency, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa was unequivocal in voicing out his preference for the Lecture Series than rolling out drum to celebrate his one year as a sitting Governor after the demise of his “Prophetic” boss who had severally expressed his willingness; both in the open and secretly to have him continue whatever assignment he couldn’t finish.

He opined that, he remains the number one legacy of Arakunrin Rotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.

From the foregoing, it is pertinent to reiterate the fact that, the Akeredolu Memorial Lecture Series is apt and should be sustained by subsequent administration in the sunshine state as a mark of honor to the departed.

For a chosen reason of great respect for H.E Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu I had always refrain from commenting on anything that has to do with the former first lady, H.E Betty Anyanwu- Akeredolu on any issue.

But for her last outburst on the social media. I am aware with her age, no one can bend her disposition on issues.

However, she should by now come to terms with the reality of the day, so as to enjoy maximum peace of mind, because, no one can have everything his or her way all the time except the creator of man; irrespective of ones line of spiritual belief, God reigns in the affair of humans.

That said, I am also of the view that, Mr Governor and his team will look in the direction of the valuable advise of Chief Femi Falana towards improving the next edition of the lecture in the area of the participation of the Arakunrin’s family.

After all, politics is defined in so many quarters as continuous conflict resolution. Hence, government at every level is looked up to as number one conflict manager, the God of 18-0 will never depart from Mr Governor on this issue too.

May the soul of the Amotekun Generalissimo continue to rest in eternity till we meet to part no more.

Kehinde is a Writer and Aide to the Executive Governor of Ondo-State. Originally from Okeigbo, Ondo-State, Nigeria.