The Ondo State Government has declared Thursday, February 22 and Friday, February 23, 2024, as public holidays to honour the late former governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu.
Akeredolu, who died on December 27, 2023, in a German hospital during a protracted illness, is scheduled to be buried on Friday in Owo, his home town.
According to a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Tuesday, the public holidays were declared to allow the people of the state to participate in the burial activities of the former governor.
The statement read in part, “The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has declared Thursday, 22nd and Friday, 23rd of February 2024 as public holidays in the state. This is in honour of the former governor of the state, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON.
“The two work-free days will allow the people of the state to participate in the burial activities of the former governor.”
According to the statement, the burial activities which had started last Thursday, continued on Wednesday, February 21 with Ajabue (traditional rites) Owo.
It also includes the special court session in Court 1, Ondo State High Court headquarters, Akure while the lying-in-state and commendation service holds at the Akure Township Stadium.
On Thursday, February 22 there will be a Service of Songs at St Andrews Cathedral, Imola Street, Owo while Wake-Keep will be held at Maranatha Villa, Owo.
Candlelight Procession and World Gyration by the Kegites Club will hold at 8 pm till dawn
On Friday, February 23, funeral service will be held at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo and interment will follow immediately after the burial service at the burial site, Owo.
Reception will hold at Mydas Hotel and Resort, Ikare Road, Owo by 1 pm.
Saturday, February 24, 2024 will feature Akeredolu Memorial friendly football match at Akure Township Stadium, Akure.
On Sunday, February 25, 2024, there will be a thanksgiving service at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo.
