Southwest Governors Pledge Dignified Burial For Late Ondo Governor

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, representing the Southwest Governors Forum, has affirmed the alliance's unwavering commitment to organizing a fitting farewell for the late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, who passed away on Wednesday.

Addressing the press in Ibadan after extending condolences to the bereaved family at Governor Akeredolu's Jericho private residence on Friday, Governor Abiodun unveiled plans to establish a committee tasked with overseeing a state burial befitting the late governor.

Assuring that the Southwest governors will ensure a respectful and honorable burial for Mr. Akeredolu, Governor Abiodun stated, "We will accord Akeredolu a burial that will be befitting of a great statesman and one of the leading lights of the southwest region."

He went on to announce, "Collectively, we will be majorly responsible for his funeral rites per the farewell that he deserves," emphasizing the establishment of a joint committee comprising southwestern states to collaborate with the family and the Ondo State government to orchestrate a fitting funeral.

Governor Abiodun, lauding the late Akeredolu as a courageous individual with irreplaceable qualities, expressed the shock and disbelief shared by all the southwest governors, including those from Osun, Ekiti, Oyo, and Lagos.

He recalled Governor Akeredolu's influential roles as the Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum and the Southern Governors Forum, acknowledging his fearless leadership as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a successful second-term governor of Ondo State.

Reflecting on Akeredolu's advocacy for a southern presidency, Governor Abiodun recalled, "This is a man who was an advocate for a southern presidency; we could recall vividly the reinvigorated Southern Governors Forum meeting in Delta State about two and a half years ago."

In conclusion, Governor Abiodun expressed deep condolences and solidarity with the late governor's family and the entire government of Ondo State, recognizing the significant void left by the passing of Governor Akeredolu.

The delegation, led by Deputy Governor Adebayo Lawal of Oyo State, included Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), who came together to pay their respects at the Jericho residence of the deceased governor.