A flurry of condolence messages are pouring in for Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State following the demise of his mother, Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu, JP. She died yesterday at 90.

Announcing the death in a statement posted on his verified social media pages, the governor wrote: “My siblings and I announce, with deepest regret and total submission to the will of the Almighty, the passing into glory of our adorable, dutiful and ever dotting mother, Lady Evangelist Grace Bosede Akeredolu JP, this morning. She died peacefully in her sleep.

“Though saddened by the departure of Maami, the one Abiyamo we knew, we are consoled with the knowledge that, even as she transits to eternity, she will be guided by the strong hands of the angels of the light in which she dwelt during her eventful and fruitful sojourn on the terrestrial plane. Maami rest in perfect peace. Burial announcement will be made by the family.”

He said his mother was close to them since the demise of their father over 40 years ago.

“Undoubtedly, Maami was someone that was close to us. We lost our father over 40 years ago. At the time of his death, I was the only graduate. And we are seven in number. And this woman was able to carry all of us through. Today, we have Professor, Judge, Doctor and all of us are graduates.

“She is a woman who had paid her price. And we owe her a duty. Coincidentally, I was here on Sunday, I spent some time with her here before going to Bishop Francis Wale Oke program where we had dinner. I never knew that would be the last time.”the Governor said.

While noting that the deceased was a great mother, Arakunrin Akeredolu disclosed that she was particular about comfort for her children.

“My mum, Grace Bosede, was a great woman and mother to all of us. I always say it. I have never paid rent in my life before. I lived in her house behind here till I moved to my personal house. Same for my brothers. I owe her everything in my life. She was particular about comfort for all of us. She is a woman that we loved so much. We will miss her.”

Since the announcement, prominent Nigerians have continued to throng the Kopindogba residence of the late Grace Akeredolu, located at Orogun area of Ibadan even as others have sent condolences to the governor.

The governor, who is the first child of the deceased, had moved to Ibadan, Oyo State in the early hour yesterday, where he received, on condolence visit, Ekiti State Governor, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde, his deputy, Bayo Lawal; former deputy governor of the state, Iyiola Oladokun; leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State led by the chairman, Ade Adetimehin; vicar of the All Saints Church, Jericho, Very Rev. Kalu Ndukwe; among others.

Governor Makinde, who spoke on behalf of the governors, commiserated with Governor Akeredolu and his family.

He prayed God to give Akeredolu and the entire family the strength to bear the loss.

The vicar of All Saint church, Jericho, who prayed for the Governor and his family, said the late Lady Akeredolu lived a fulfilled life and was committed to the work of God.

Senate Chief Whip, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu and former governor of Abia, in his condolence message,urged the Akeredolu family to take solace in the fact that that their late matriarch lived fulfilled and purposeful life dedicated to the service of God and of humanity.

He noted that the deceased instilled good moral values in her children and in loved ones as she left behind remarkable legacies for her family members to uphold.

“I convey my heartfelt condolences to Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State over the demise of his mother, Evangelist Grace Akeredolu.

“Mama was a devout Christian who committed her resources to the service of God and of mankind.

“Judging from the personality of Gov. Akeredolu, it is obvious that his mother was a woman of virtue.

“I urge the governor to sustain the worthy legacies of his mother,’’ Kalu wrote.

He prayed to God to grant the late evangelist eternal rest.

Delta State Governor and vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa,paid glowing tribute to nonagenarian for being a good mother.

He said the family should be consoled in the fact that their mother lived to witness the successes of her children, including the emergence of his son as governor.

“We received the news of the demise of your beloved mother with sadness, but we are consoled by the fact that she lived a life of dedicated service to God and humanity.

“Lady Evangelist Akeredolu was a strong pillar in her community, a disciplinarian and a devout Christian and would be missed by all those whose lives she affected in many ways.

“We share in your sorrow and pains at this period and we pray that God will grant you and the family the courage to bear the loss, and we also pray for the repose of the soul of your departed mother.” Okowa said.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State said the news of Mama Akeredolu’s passing was shocking as there was no earlier report of illness.

Governor Uzodimma who described the late Evangelist as a mother to all, noted that Mama led an accomplished life of service to Family, Church, State and Nation.

He said Mama Akeredolu devoted her wisdom, time and resources to the service of the downtrodden and the weak, particularly women and youths, in the most benevolent manner.

Governor Uzodimma said Mama Akeredolu’s legacy of hardwork and industry could be gleaned from her children, grand children and great grand children, all of who are contributing positively their quota for a better society, of which the role of Governor Rotimi in that respect is key.

While commiserating with Governor Akeredolu and his wife, Betty, the Governor’s siblings as well as the people of Ondo State, Governor Uzodimma urged them to find solace in the fact that Mama led a good life and more importantly, contributed to the course of humanity in many ways while she was alive.

Also, Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun state, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ismail Omipidan, described the late Mrs Akeredolu as a respected community leader and great mother, who raised her children with the fear of God and also instilled in them sound moral character and discipline. He said she would be missed, especially for her counsel and guidance, urged the family to keep her memories alive by upholding virtues of compassion, love, sacrifice and community service she was known for.

He urged Governor Akeredolu and the rest of the family to find solace in the fact that Mama lived a long and fulfilled life that was dedicated to the service of her creator and humanity. (Daily Sun)