Governors of the South Western States under the aegis of the South West Governors’ Forum, have resolved to set up a joint burial committee for their late Ondo State counterpart, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.
The governors announced the decision in Ibadan on Friday after paying a condolence visit to the wife and children of Akeredolu at their Jericho GRA residence in the ancient city.
Akeredolu died in a German Hospital in the early hours of Wednesday, December 27, 2023.
Akeredolu, 67 years, was until his death , the Chairman of the South West Governors Forum.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun who disclosed this to newsmen shortly after the visit said the joint burial committee will work with Akeredolu family.
Abiodun said the idea is to give Akeredolu a befitting burial, which he said the governor deserved because of his tremendous contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria.
Other governors at the Ibadan residence of the Akeredolus are Senator Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State while Governor Seyi Makinde was represented by his Deputy, Bayo Lawal.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Abiodun described the deceased as a very dependable, reliable, predictable, consistent person, who never hesitated at any point in time to say exactly how he feels on any issue no matter how controversial.
Abiodun further said the late Akeredolu was a fearless and courageous man who advocated and championed the cause of a southern presidency and worked towards its success.
“He will call a spade a spade. He played a key role in the birth or rebirth of the Southern Governors’ Forum, which he was the chairman until he passed away.
“The Southern Governors’ Forum took that position (on Southern presidency), led by him. He was a leader to all of us who gathered here today. He will be sorely missed.
“We commiserate with you. We humbly request that you consider this as a joint responsibility of all of us.
“We will want to be a part of whatever plans the family will be implementing towards sending him forth.
“We will like to put a committee together that will have representatives from each of our states to work alongside the Ondo State government and the family in ensuring that we give our leader, a befitting burial,” Prince Abiodun said.
In an interview later, Governor Abiodun said that the visit by the governors was to identify with the Akeredolus in this trying moment.
Abiodun said : “We are here on behalf of our families, the entire government and people of our various South Western states to commiserate with the family and people of Ondo State.
“Our prayer is that the Almighty God will forgive all his sins and grant the repose of his soul.
“We also pray that God will grant his wife, children, his family members, and the people of Ondo State the heart to bear this very bad, shocking and painful exit.”. (vitalnewsngr.com)
