Today, the historic town of Owo in Ondo State welcomes distinguished figures from across Nigeria to attend the final farewell ceremonies for the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. The final resting place for the ex-President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) will be at St. Andrew Anglican Church, Imola, Owo, following his funeral service.
A thanksgiving service is scheduled at the same venue on Sunday.
Akeredolu’s demise occurred in December, with memorial activities commencing in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, where he had his legal practice and residence prior to his political career.
His remains were moved to Akure this past Wednesday and then to Owo, his birthplace.
Preceding the burial, the traditional Ajabue dance was performed by Akeredolu’s community members yesterday, initiating the procession from his Ijebu-Owo residence.
The march was spearheaded by the late governor’s children and relatives.
The Ajabue dance, a vital part of Owo’s funeral customs, signifies the soul’s journey to the afterlife according to the Yoruba-speaking populace of Owo.
Mr. Ola Olusegun, one of the participants, highlighted the significance of the Ajabue ritual in ensuring the deceased’s heavenly passage. He noted the tradition where males carry the ceremonial swords, Ape and Agada, and females hold the Iya-shin, a type of horse tail, though performing this dance on Ukoko market day is strictly prohibited.
The event was attended by notable personalities including Raimi Aminu, former Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing; Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi and Morenike Witherspoon, Members of the House of Assembly; Fatai Olushina, former Special Assistant on Natural Resources; Fatai Olotu, former Commissioner for Hygiene and Water Resources; Comrade Sunday Adeleye, Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and President of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, along with several permanent secretaries.
Mrs. Oladunni Odu, a former Secretary to the Government, paid tribute to Akeredolu, remembering him as a brave individual with strong family principles and a commitment to truth, especially in challenging situations.
Babajide Akeredolu, his son and former Director-General of Ondo State Performance and Project Implementation Monitoring Unit (PPIMU), expressed gratitude for the community’s outpouring of love and support during this time.
The family found solace in the heartfelt tributes and acknowledgements at yesterday’s song service, affirming the late governor’s impactful life. Professor Wole Akeredolu, speaking for the family, extended thanks for the widespread condolences and support.
The service saw attendance from across the nation, with Rt. Rev Stephen Fagbemi, Bishop of Owo Anglican Diocese, praising Akeredolu’s visionary leadership and devotion to spiritual matters.
Most Reverend Simeon Borokini, Anglican Bishop of Akure Diocese and Archbishop of Ondo Ecclesiastical Province, commended Akeredolu’s service to his state.
The ceremony was attended by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami; Deputy Governor of Kogi State Salifu Joel Oyibo, Minister of State for Youth Development Olawande Ayodele; Supreme Court Justice Hellen Ogunwumiju; Court of Appeal justices; Ade Adetimehin, state APC Chairman; Olamide Oladiji, Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly; Chief Judge Justice Olusegun Odusola; Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire; Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), former PDP gubernatorial candidate; Bisi Fayemi, wife of the former Ekiti State Governor; Prince Ademola Adegoroye, former Minister; House of Representatives members; APC gubernatorial hopeful Wale Akinterinwa; and leaders and members of the Christian Association of Nigeria.
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