The Nigerian Bar Association has described the late governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, as one of the most influential and courageous presidents of the association.

Akeredolu who was called to the Bar in 1978 was the president of the NBA between  2008 and 2010.

Akeredolu, 67, died in Germany on Wednesday after a protracted illness.

In a statement on Wednesday by the NBA’s president,  Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, noted that Akeredolu would be remembered for his contributions to the growth and development of Ondo State and the South West region.

The statement read,” It is with a heavy heart that I pay tribute to His Excellency, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, the Executive Governor of Ondo State and Past President of the Nigerian Bar Association, whose transition took place on  December 27, 2023, after a protracted ill-health.

“He variously served as Secretary and Vice Chair of the Ibadan Branch and went on to become the 24th President of the Association from 2008 to 2010 – one of the most influential and courageous Presidents ever to lead the NBA.

“The late learned Senior Advocate also served the nation in various other capacities at different times, one of which was as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice from 1997 to 1999 and later as two-term Governor from 2017 till his demise.

“He will be positively remembered for his several contributions to the growth and development of Ondo State and the entire region. As Governor, Aketi was at the forefront of the establishment of the regional security network, Amotekun, to address security concerns in the western region. So far, the network has been effective in stemming the tide of terrorism, armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, etc., within the region and currently stands as a model for other regions to emulate.”