Aiyedatiwa Receives Akeredolu’s Body in Ondo

•AbdulRazaq, Diri, Mimiko honour late gov 

•Ondo holds special court session, lying-in-state

Fidelis David in Akure

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, yesterday, received the remains of his late predecessor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, at the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure on behalf of the people of the state.

This was as the governor joined the state High Court, Akure, in a special valedictory court session in honour of the deceased.

Akeredolu died on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at the age of 67 after a prolonged illness and would be buried on Friday February 23, in his home town of Owo.

Receiving his remains, Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to the state, saying, “Akeredolu’s tireless dedication to the people of Ondo State resonates deeply within each of us.”

At the court session, Aiyedatiwa expressed heartfelt gratitude to the state judiciary for organising the special valedictory court session in honor of his late principal.

His words: “I acknowledge the profound impact of Governor Akeredolu’s lifelong dedication to the legal profession, this honor done by the judiciary to our departed hero, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is well-deserved.

“Today, I reflect on Governor Akeredolu’s passion for justice, rule of law, and the legal profession. I’ve many times expressed admiration for his unwavering commitment and devotion to these principles.

“At a personal level, I was always elated with awe, each time I observed my late boss discuss the issue of access to justice, rule of law and the general practice of the profession he so loved.”

He highlighted Akeredolu’s distinguished tenure as Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, noting his clarity of mind and unwavering stance against abuse of office and violation of human rights, even in the face of formidable challenges.

“I laud Governor Akeredolu’s proactive approach to legislative reforms. I know of his pivotal role in sponsoring bills aimed at enhancing security, governance, and welfare in Ondo State, We remember with pride today, his sense of urgency and intervention and unusual dedication to the cause of access of justice.”

Earlier, in his welcome address, Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, said, “Since December 27, 2023, the shocking news of the painful and untimely transition of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON, has taken us through several stages of emotional trauma and nostalgic moments.”

The President, Nigeria Bar Association, represented by the 3rd Vice President, Mandy Demechi-Asagba; Representative Body of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Olusola Oke; Representative Body of Benchers, Charles Edosan; Acting Solicitor General in their remarks said the late Akeredolu was a fervent pursuer of his beliefs.

There was lying-in-state earlier and commendation service in his honour, held at the Akure township stadium with dignitaries including the Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri; and former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko among others.

The ancient town of Owo, hometown of the late governor was locked down as the traditional Ajabue Procession was held in honour of the deceased.

The Ajabue Procession was led by the late Governor’s children, Mrs. Yejide Rusewe, Babajide Akeredolu; his siblings, Toyin Akeredolu, Mrs. Modupe Adeyinka, Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, Femi Akeredolu, and his ally, Mr. Dare Aragbaiye.

Decked in Ankara attires, the people of Owo in their hundreds trooped out to join the Ajabue traditional procession which started from the late governor’s residence, Ijebu-Owo, GRA.

Speaking after the traditional procession, Akeredolu’s son, Babajide, expressed gratitude to the people of Owo for their overwhelming support in celebrating his late father’s life.

“I want to sincerely appreciate the people of Owo for their tremendous support, for coming out in large numbers to connect with us, to accompany us, to dance with us, and to engage in all activities related to my late Dad,” he said.