BREAKING: Southwest governors unite for Akeredolu’s burial plans

Governors from the southwest states of Nigeria, including Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, and Ekiti, united as the Southwest Governors Forum, are collaborating with their Ondo state counterpart to organize a fitting burial for the late Ondo state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. The forum has communicated this intention to the late governor’s family and plans to establish a joint committee to oversee the arrangements.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state, representing the governors, made the announcement on Friday, December 29, during a condolence visit to the Akeredolu family at their Jericho residence in Ibadan. The governors present during the visit included Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Oyo state deputy governor, Bayo Lawal, representing Governor Seyi Makinde. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was unable to join due to a flight delay, while Governor Makinde is currently out of the country on holiday.

The late Governor Akeredolu, who served as a second-term governor of Ondo state, passed away on Wednesday, December 27. He chaired both the Southwestern Governors Forum and the Southern Governors Forum. The governors expressed their condolences at the Akeredolu residence, where a stern directive restricted journalists from entering the room where the visit occurred.

Governor Abiodun conveyed the deep shock and disbelief felt by the governors, describing Akeredolu as a senior colleague and brother. He acknowledged the significant role Akeredolu played in advocating for the Southern presidency and praised his courage and leadership. The governors collectively pledged to ensure a befitting burial for the late governor, establishing a joint committee to collaborate with the Ondo state government and the Akeredolu family.

Before visiting the Akeredolus’, the Southwest governors met at the Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan, holding a closed-door meeting in the private chamber of Governor Seyi Makinde’s deputy, Bayo Lawal. The governors later proceeded in a convoy for the condolence visit.

In observance of the three-day mourning declared by Governor Makinde, state flags flew at half-mast at the Oyo state Secretariat. The mourning period was announced as a mark of respect for the late former Ondo governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.