CITIZENS COMPASS —The remains of the late Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu will be laid to rest on Friday, February 23, 2024, in his home town, Owo, Ondo State.
The state government made the announcement on weekend, on its X handle formerly known as Twitter.
According to the announcement, the burial programmes for the late governor will take place between Thursday, February 15 to 25, 2023.
Recall that Akeredolu’s body arrived Nigeria from Germany at about 3:39 p.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024.
Citizens Compass had reported that Akeredolu died of protracted prostate cancer at a German hospital on December 27, 2023, where he was receiving treatment.
The activities heralding the funeral rites will begin on February 15 with a crusade in Akure, while a Jumat service will be followed the next day, February 16.
On February 19, a valedictory service and tributes by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) will be held in Ibadan, and at 4 p.m. of the same day, a service of songs at All Saints Church, Jericho, and at Jacob and Grace Chapel will be held simultaneously.
A commendation service will be held on February 20 at 10 a.m. venue ,All Saints Church, Jericho and lying-in-state at his residence in Jericho at Ibadan, Oyo state capital.
On February 21, a programme will be held at Akure from 10 a.m. and by February 22, a service of song will be held at St. Andrews Church in Owo.
The funeral service is slated for the same venue, St. Andrews Church in Owo, on February 23, with a reception at Mydas Hotel, while thanksgiving service follows on February 25.
A member of the State Executive Council (SEC) ,who also is a member of the planning committee, pleaded anonymity, confirmed the funeral arrangements.
“Yes, that is the 8-day burial plan for the former governor (Akeredolu) and arrangements are already on top gear to give him a befitting burial.
A former spokesman to the late governor, Richard Olatunde, confirmed that the time table was drawn by family members of Akeredolu and a copy was sent to the incumbent, Aiyedatiwa.
Olatunde said it was surprising that a copy which was sent to the governor for his input was leaked to the public.
“The funeral time table was drawn by family members of the former governor (late Akeredolu) for the input of the incumbent governor but we are surprised that it leaked out.
Now, the Owo diocese is still making their input on the time table with the aim of inputting the venue for the interment ceremony,” he said.
