By BASHIR ADEFAKA
The final journey of late Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), will commence today Friday February 16, 2024.
FILE: Late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) while in active service, flanked from left by Chief Imam of Akure, Sheikh AbdulHakeem Yayi Akorede, and then Deputy (now) Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, at an official ceremony.
According to a week-long funeral arrangements announced by the family since January 23, the funeral featuring a service of songs, commendation services, special court sessions, a candlelight procession and a world gyration by the Kegites Club, among others will be held in honour of the late legal icon knownninnhis years as Governor of Ondo State as “Talk-and-Do”.
Akeredolu will be buried in his Owo hometown on February 23, 2024, the family had said.
Reiterating the family’s released funeral arrangements, it has been said that a winning soul crusade, has been scheduled to take place at the MKO Abiola Democracy Park in Isolo, Akure South.
The DEFENDER recalls that Akeredolu died in his sleep at a hospital in Germany, where he was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer and other related ailment, on December 26, 2023.
A statement by the late governor’s former Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, said that the week-long event will begin at 5pm.
Olatunde said in the statement that, “This profound loss has left us devastated and filled with sorrow. However, we find solace in the remarkable work and enduring legacy he left behind.
“During his tenure as the Governor of Ondo State from February 24, 2017, until December 26, 2023, Arakunrin Akeredolu prioritised the welfare of the people and delivered a dividend of good governance with tangible benefits.
“In the face of protracted insecurity that plagued the Southwest, with the menace of killer herdsmen terrorising and abducting innocent citizens, the late Akeredolu fearlessly stood at the forefront, defended the rights of the people with unflinching courage and resilience.
“His commitment to the collective well-being of the people has left an indelible mark on the state.
“As we bid farewell, we acknowledge that our parting is not one of finality. Instead, we commit ourselves to preserving his memory and upholding the noble deeds he accomplished throughout his life.
Olatunde added, “Even in death, his influence remains steadfast, for he shall forever be our guiding light and inspirational leader.”
In the meantime, in what looks like part of arrangement on the part of the Muslim Community to honour the late governor, the Chief Imam of Akure, Sheikh AbdulHakeem Yayi Akorede, posted on his verified Facebook page: “Friday, February 16, 2024, Juma’t Service at Akure Central Mosque Time: 2pm”.
Juma’t service is known to commence at Akure Central Mosque at 1:00pm but, according to tge top Islamic leader, second part of today’s khutbah that is sermon will be dedicated to honouring the late governor.
