Students from the four local governments in Akoko area of Ondo state under the platform of National Congress Of Akoko Students (NACAS) has urged the Governor of Ondo state, Rotimi Akeredolu to immortalize former Governor of the state, Late Chief Adebayo Adefarati.
This was made known in a statement signed by the President of the group, Lekan Akinyele.
The statement noted that Adefarati served the state excellently well and deserved to be honored.
Adefarati who was the Governor of the state between 1999 and 2003 died on March 29, 2007.
The statement fully read:
“The apex students body of Akoko Land NACAS frowned its displeasure with the “overlong failure” of Ondo State Government, to recorgnize the statesmanlike leadership and sumptuous efforts by Late Chief Adebayo Adefarati as part of the efforts that birthed the present enviable State (Ondo state) that all is enjoying today via a befitting immortalization for him.
“Chief Adebayo Adefarati is the fourth republic Governor of Ondo State, from 1999 to 2003. He was preceded by Moses Fasayan and succeeded by Olusegun Agagu. Late Chief Adebayo Adefarati is a native of Akungba Akoko.
“Without political bitterness and renegation, a statesman like Late Chief Adebayo Adefarati; who in his history, served the state patriotically and contributed sumptuously to the sustainable Ondo state deserve very timely and befitting immortalization with any of Ondo State Government properties.
“Permit us to take Ondo state government and the general public to remembrance of the relocation of the first state-owned University, Ondo State University from its old site in Ado-Ekiti to Akungba-Akoko in 1999 by Late Chief Adebayo Adefarati. He subsequently named it after Adekunle Ajasin in a bid to immortalize the late Governor Ajasin in 2004 following his demise.
“Also, the first intervention agency for the coastal areas of the State, which was named as Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) was founded by Baba Adefarati having received statutory backing in 2001, to his credit. And many more he has to his credit.
“It should be noted that; Senate building in Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA) was named after Dr. Olusegun Mimiko as a recorgnition to his service. The State owned University of Science and Technology in Okitipupa was renamed Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, in a bid by Dr. Olusegun Mimiko to immortalize Olusegun Agagu after his demise.
“Despite the fact that, the duo mentioned Ex Governors not only succeeded Baba Adefarati but also enjoyed his sacrifices, legacy and peaceful coexistence laid by him, Baba Adefarati is yet to be immortalized by Ondo state government, not by any way or means.
“NACAS leadership led by Comr Akinyele Olamilekan Lemuel decry this as an ungratefulness to Late Baba Adefarati and a total unfairness to the entire land of Akoko. Hence, the NACAS’ administration led by Comr Akinyele Olamilekan Lemuel is humbly calling on Ondo State Government led by HIS EXCELLENCY OLUWAROTIMI AKEREDOLU (SAN) to swift into action and ensure fairness to all and give a befitting immortalization for Late Chief Adebayo Adefarati and the entire Students of Akoko land shall immortalize you in our hearts for granting our request.”
Source : THE CITY NEWSPAPER
