To honor the legacy of the late former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, the Ondo State Government under the leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has announced a two-day public holiday.
The holiday, scheduled for Thursday, February 22, and Friday, February 23, 2024, aims to facilitate widespread participation in the burial activities planned for the esteemed leader.
The announcement came through the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Aiyedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan, in a statement released on Tuesday. Akeredolu, who passed away on December 27 after a prolonged illness, is set to be laid to rest on Friday in his hometown of Owo.
The public holidays will allow citizens of Ondo State to engage fully in the series of ceremonies arranged to pay respects to the late governor. These ceremonies commenced last Thursday and have been ongoing, with Wednesday’s agenda featuring traditional rites in Owo, a special court session in Akure, and a lying-in-state and commendation service at the Akure Township Stadium, followed by an evening of tributes at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo.
On Thursday, February 22, a Service of Songs will be held at the St Andrews Cathedral, Imola Street, Owo, alongside a wake-keep at Maranatha Villa, Owo. The day will conclude with a candlelight procession and world gyration by the Kegites Club, starting at 8 pm until dawn.
Friday, February 23, will witness the funeral service at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo, followed immediately by the interment at the burial site in Owo. The ceremony aims to bid farewell to the departed leader in a solemn yet celebratory manner.
Continuing the commemoration, Saturday will see an Akeredolu Memorial Friendly Football Match at the Akure Township Stadium, while Sunday will conclude with a thanksgiving service at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo.
The funeral service commenced on Monday, highlighted by a Special Court session attended by dignitaries including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. During Tuesday’s church service, the late Akeredolu was eulogized as a courageous and beloved leader by the Bishop of the Ibadan North Diocese (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Williams Aladekugbe.
Among the attendees at the church service were Governor Aiyedatiwa, his deputy, former governors, ministers, and other prominent figures from various sectors, all gathered to pay their respects to the departed leader.
