Godwin Obaseki, the governor of Edo State, and Duoye Diri, the governor of Bayelsa State, both attended the funeral service of former governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, on Wednesday.
On Friday, Akeredolu, who passed away on December 27, 2023, will be interred in his hometown of Owo.
AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, governor of Kwara State and chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, and Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo, are also in attendance.
In an effort to promote attendance at the programme, the Ondo State Government has designated Thursday, February 22nd, and Friday, February 23rd, 2024 as state holidays.
As per a statement released by Ebenezer Adeniyan, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the holidays are observed in remembrance of the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the former governor of the state.
Adeniyan stated that the state’s citizens will be able to participate in the burial rites of the former governor who passed away in December during the two days off from work.
As per the statement, the burial operations that commenced last Thursday proceed as follows:
“Wednesday, February 21, Ajabue (traditional rites) in Owo from 9 am till 4 pm.
A special court session will be held at 10 am on Hospital Road, Court 1, Ondo State High Court Headquarters, Akure.
“Lying in State and Commendation Service Akure Township Stadium Time: 1 pm, Evening of Tributes at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo between 4 pm and 7 pm.
“Thursday, February 22 (Public holiday): Service of Songs at St Andrews Cathedral, Imola Street, Owo at 4 pm. Wake-Keep holds at Maranatha Villa, Owo at 8 pm.
“Candlelight Procession & World Gyration by the Kegites Club from 8 pm till Dawn.
“Friday, February 23 (Public holiday): Funeral Service at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo at 10 am. Interment follows immediately after the burial service at the burial site, Owo. (Strictly for immediate family). Reception at Mydas Hotel and Resort, Ikare Road, Owo by 1 PM.
“Saturday, February 24, 2024: Akeredolu Memorial Friendly football match at Akure Township Stadium, Akure at 3 pm.
“Sunday, February 25, 2024: Thanksgiving Service at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo. “At 10 a.m.”