In a somber moment, tears flowed freely as the remains of the late former governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, returned to Nigeria from Germany, where he passed away on December 26, 2023.
The poignant scene unfolded as the corpse, draped in the Nigerian flag, was lowered from the plane at approximately 3:39 pm. The late governor’s former Chief Press Secretary, Olabode Olatunde, officially confirmed the arrival of Akeredolu’s remains to Saturday PUNCH.
The deceased’s family, led by his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, his children, and siblings, notably Prof. Wole Akeredolu, received the corpse at the Murtala International Airport in Lagos. The grieving family was joined by political allies, including Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbi Talabi; and the representative of Osun State Governor, Senator Demola Adeleke.
Also in attendance were the Ondo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Ade Adetimehin; a member of the House of Representatives, Gboyega Adefarati, and several members of the Ondo State Executive Council, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu.
The remains have been deposited at the morgue, and details regarding the burial arrangements will be communicated by the family in due course. The nation mourns the loss of a distinguished public figure, reflecting on the legacy left behind by Rotimi Akeredolu.
