Former Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu will be buried today, Friday, February 23.
President Bola Tinubu, Southwest Governors and other Governors in the country are expected to attend the funeral service.
Precision Online Newspaper, however gathered that President Tinubu will be represented by his Vice, Kashim Shettima.
Akeredolu will be buried in a piece of land close to his Maranatha residence at the Government Reserved Area (GRA) in Owo – his hometown.
The place was last week consecrated by religious leaders led by Bishops from St Andrews Cathedral Church, Imola, Owo.
Akeredolu, until his death was the Chancellor of the Church – an Anglican Diocese.
Before his interment, funeral service will be held for the repose of his soul at the Anglican Church.
On Thursday, an evening of Service of Songs and Christian -Wake was held in his honour, as part of the funeral arrangements for the late Governor.
The service was held at St. Andrew’s Cathedral Church, Imola Street, Owo. Dignitaries from across the country attended the event.
The Bishop of Owo Anglican Diocese, Rt. Revd Stephen Fagbemi paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Governor during the service.
He described the late Akeredolu not only as a governor but also as a visionary leader who was passionate about the things of God.
The Bishop emphasised that Akeredolu has left a void that will be difficult to fill in the Diocese, the state, and the nation at large. He prayed to God to grant the family the strength to bear the loss.
In his brief Exhortation, Most Reverend Simeon Borokini, the Anglican Bishop of Akure Diocese and Archbishop of Ondo Ecclesiastical Province said Akeredolu served the people of the state well.
He urged everyone to always do good in whatever position they occupy.
The late Governor’s younger brother, Prof. Wole Akeredolu expressed gratitude on behalf of the family.
He thanked everyone for their support and love for the late Akeredolu.
Prof. Akeredolu mentioned that the various testimonies and tributes about Akeredolu have consoled their hearts and reaffirmed that their Patriarch lived a life of significance and made a positive impact on society.
The Service of Songs was attended by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Deputy Governor, Mr. Adelami Olayide; Deputy Governor of Kogi State; Salifu Joel Oyibo, Minister of State for Youth Development Olawande Ayodele; Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Hellen Ogunwumiju; other justices of the Court of Appeal, Chairman of the APC in the state Engr. Ade Adetimehin; Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Chief Judge Justice Olusegun Odusola; Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire; other senators, former PDP governorship candidate in the state Mr. Eyitayo Jegede SAN, among others.
Also present were the wife of the former Governor of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, former Minister, Prince Ademola Adegoroye; members of the House of Representatives; APC governorship hopeful, Wale Akinterinwa; the leadership and members of the Christian Association of Nigeria, and others.
REMAINS OF LATE GOVERNOR AKEREDOLU ARRIVE OWO AMIDST TEARS
The remains of the late Governor, had earlier arrived in Owo on Wednesday.
The arrival of the body evoked a somber atmosphere and heartfelt emotions in Owo and its environs.
The people of Owo gathered at Emure junction to receive the remains of the late Governor as a sign of honour and respect for their departed illustrious son.
The two members of the State House of Assembly from Owo, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi and Hon. Morenike Witherspoon, led some of their colleagues and the people of the town to receive the remains of the late Governor.
As the convoy drove through the main streets of Owo, students from various secondary schools in the town, including Imade College and St. Louis Grammar School, stood at strategic locations, waving the Nigerian flag as a sign of respect for the late Governor.
At Mobile Junction in Ijebu-Owo, representatives from the palace of Oba Kofoworola Oladoyinbo Ojomo, the Olijebu of Ijebu-Owo, received the body of the late Governor.
Tears flowed freely as a large crowd struggled to catch a glimpse of the casket carrying the remains of the late Governor.
Despite earlier events held in the Akure, the state capital, the people of Owo came out in large numbers, lining the major streets of the town to participate in the Traditional Ajabue procession and patiently awaited the arrival of the late Akeredolu’s body.
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