In a surprising turn at the Ibadan home of the late Ondo State Governor, his daughter, Ololade Akeredolu, firmly requested the gathered press to depart. The reporters had assembled there, intent on covering the arrival of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum chairman, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, and his counterpart from Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, who were there to offer their condolences.

The situation took an unexpected twist when Ololade, asserting the privacy of their residence, insisted on the journalists' immediate exit, a development reported by Vanguard. This decision underscored the residence's personal nature, distinct from the official aura of a Government House.

Amidst this tense backdrop, the two visiting dignitaries, Governors Abdulrazaq and Makinde, emerged as peacemakers. In a gesture of understanding and respect, they stepped out to the street, meeting the waiting journalists there to engage with them, easing the earlier tension with their approachability.

In a turn of events both somber and unexpected, Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu's journey came to an end. After a valiant struggle with leukemia and prostate cancer, Governor Akeredolu passed away in Lagos on the chilly morning of December 27th.

Aged 67, his life's tapestry was rich and complex.

Governor Akeredolu's health was under the vigilant care of State House doctors in Lagos, as his condition prevented travel abroad for treatment.

Rewinding a few pages back in this chapter, it's notable that Governor Akeredolu returned to Nigerian soil this past September, following a 90-day medical sabbatical in Germany. Then, as winter's breath was just beginning to be felt, on December 12, he was advised by President Bola Tinubu to entrust his duties to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who has assumed the role of acting governor in these turbulent times.

Governor Akeredolu leaves behind a legacy, embodied by his beloved wife Betty, their children, and grandchildren, who will continue to walk in the light of his memory.

We join in a collective prayer for his soul to find tranquility and peace. Amen.