By Banji Ayoola
The departed Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu will be buried in his Owo hometown on February 23, 2024.
This was announced in a statement on Monday by his son, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Jnr.
Akeredolu passed away on December 27, 2023, in Germany after a protracted battle with prostate cancer. He was aged 67.
The statement, titled ‘Celebration of a remarkable life,’ said that the funeral programme will run for over a week, featuring a service of songs, commendation services, special court sessions, a candlelight procession and a world gyration by the Kegites Club, among others.
According to the statement, the funeral service will take place at St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Owo on February 23.
It said: “This would be followed by interment on Friday 23, 2024. Reception at Mydas Hotel and Resort, Ikare Road, Owo by 1 pm.”
Said the statement, “The outpouring of love we have received has been nothing short of a deluge, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.
“Your unwavering display of affection has touched our souls in immeasurable ways, and mere words cannot adequately express our gratitude.
“Your love and kindness serve as powerful catalysts, strengthening our unshakable faith in God Almighty and reaffirming our commitment to serving humanity.
“To those who took the time to visit us in Ibadan and Owo, we extend our heartfelt appreciation. Your presence brought solace to our hearts, and your invaluable support lifted our spirits.
“Our gratitude also extends to the esteemed political leaders, revered royal fathers, devout religious leaders, community pillars, heads of security agencies, dedicated unionists, civil servants, public officials, student leaders, and women groups, as well as politicians from across party lines, who have shown us love and sympathy during this challenging period.”
Besides, The family extended “our deepest appreciation to all those who have extended their warmth and compassion to us during this trying time, following the unfortunate transition of our beloved patriarch, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, former Governor of Ondo State (February 2017 – December 2023).”
The statement reads, “It is with deep respect and a sense of duty that we invite our dear friends, associates, and well-wishers to join us in giving our late Patriarch a befitting funeral.”
Details of the programme are as follows:
Thursday, February 15, 2024:
Winning Soul Crusade at MKO Abiola Democracy Park, Akure
Time: 5pm
Friday, February 16, 2024:
Jumat Service at Akure Central Mosque
Time: 2pm
Saturday, February 17, 2024:
Loyola Day of Tributes at Loyola College Hall, Old Ife Rd, Agodi,
Ibadan, Oyo State.
Sunday, February 18, 2024:
OAU Night of Tributes at OAU Secretariat, Old Ife
Road, Agodi, Ibadan Oyo State.
Time: 4 pm- 6pm
Monday, February 19, 2024:
Special Court Session
Oyo State Judiciary Complex,
High Court 1, Ring Road
Ibadan, Oyo State.
Time: 10 am
NBA Tribute Session
Follows immediately @ Aare Afe Babalola Bar Centre,
Iyagakun, Ibadan, Oyo State
Service of Songs/ Night of Tributes
Jogor Centre, Liberty Road,
Ibadan
Time: 5pm – 9 pm
Tuesday, February 20, 2024:
Commendation Service
All Saints Church, Jericho, Ibadan
Time: 10 am – 12 Noon
Private Viewing (Strictly By Invitation)
Residence, Ibadan Oyo State
Time: 3pm
Wednesday, February 21, 2024:
Ajabue (Traditional Rites)
Owo, Ondo State
Time: 9 am – 4pm
Special Court Session
Court 1, Ondo State High Court Headquarters,
Hospital Road, Akure, Ondo State
Time : 10am
Lying in State and Commendation Service
Akure Township Stadium
Time: 1pm
Evening of Tributes
St Andrews Church,
Imola Street, Owo
Time:4pm – 7pm
Thursday, February 22, 2024:
Service of Songs
St Andrews Cathedral, Imola Street,
Owo, Ondo State.
Time: 4pm
Wake-Keep
Maranatha Villa, Owo,
Ondo state
Time: 8pm
Candlelight Procession & World Gyration
by the Kegites Club
Time: 8pm till Dawn
Friday, February 23, 2024:
Funeral Service at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo.
Time: 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 1pm.
Saturday, February 24, 2024:
Akeredolu Memorial Friendly football match Akure Township Stadium, Akure.
Time: 3 pm
Sunday, February 25, 2024:
Thanksgiving Service at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo
Time: 10 am
