AKETI AT 70: DAWN COMMISSION DELIVERS A WORTHY TRIBUTE
_By Oloroogun Sola Ajisafe.
Yesterday at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, the South West stood still, not in mourning, but in remembrance. The DAWN Commission, in partnership with the Akeredolu Foundation, convened a posthumous 70th birthday celebration for Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON.
It was a gathering that affirmed what we already know, that is, some lives are too large to be measured by years, and too consequential to be buried with the body.
The hall bore witness to the unity Aketi fought for and lived for. Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun who delivered the keynote address was present. The host Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, was there to receive guests and to honour a predecessor whose shadow still shapes governance in the Sunshine State. Governors Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos were ably represented by their SSGs
Notably, the Board of the South West Development Commission, a President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inspired regional idea, was powerfully present under its leadership, in solidarity with their partner in progress, the DAWN Commission, the Odua conglomerate idea championing regional integration and cultural nationalism. Their presence alone spoke to the continuity of Aketi’s vision for a region that thinks and works together.
At the heart of the event was Dr. Betty Akeredolu, leading the Akeredolu family with the same grace and steel that defined her husband. She was joined by friends, associates, and foot soldiers of the Aketi administration. Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, two term former governor of Ekiti, a very close friend and brother in the struggle, was there. Yeyeoba Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, former Commissioner for Information and Orientation, came to pay homage to her boss and friend at 70. Princess Oladunni Catherine Odu, the first woman in Ondo State to occupy the office of SSG under Akeredolu, was present. So also was Engr. Ade Adetimehin, former APC Chairman in Ondo State, Hon. Tunji Fabiyi of the Ondo State House of Assembly, and Dr. Doyin Odebowale ( High Priest) a protege and ideological soulmate of Aketi and his lovely wife were present.
The presence of these people.and many more confirmed a simple truth to the effect that, leadership leaves footprints that time cannot erase.
The DAWN Commission and the Akeredolu Foundation deserve the deepest appreciation of the South West. In an age of forgetfulness and bareface betrayal, they chose to remember. In a season of noise, they chose to reflect. They gave us a moment to pause and ask, what did this man stand for? And the answer came back clear and loud. What resonated most was not just eulogies, but evidence. Aketi’s name was repeatedly invoked in one context that is, security and self-determination.
His unwavering commitment that the South West would never be overrun by blood-sucking demons masquerading as herders, by terrorists and kidnappers who desecrate our land, was recalled with reverence.
Thank God for the DAWN Commission. It was DAWN that conceived the original idea of the South West Security Network, did the intellectual groundwork, and provided the regional framework. But it was Aketi who gave it teeth. It was Aketi who provided the political will and the courageous leadership to birth what is today known as Amotekun. That single act was the foundational experiment.
Today, as the clamour for State Police gathers national momentum, we must remember that the South West had already shown the way. Aketi proved that federalism without security is a theory, and that a governor who cannot protect his people is a governor in name only.
Aketi at 70 is not about the years he did not see. It is about the years we will live because of what he did. It is about Amotekun in our bushes, towns and highways. It is about a South West that dared to say “not on our watch.” It is about institutions like the South West Development Commission (SWDC) that now carry the burden of regional development, growth, infrastructure renewal and integration that he championed in his life time.
The DAWN Commission has done well of the many initiatives they have signposted. They have reminded us that in Yoruba ethos, _“A ki i gbagbe eni to fi ori re fo Agbon fun wi”_ . That is, we do not forget those who laid down their heads to break Coconut for us. Aketi did.
And because he did, Aketi lives on. May his soul continue to rest in perfect peace. May the South West he loved never forget. May DAWN continue to provide the ideas and may SWDC succeed.
Aketi Eternal
Oloroogun Sola Ajisafe writes from Akure, Ondo State. Friday 9th October, 2026
