Agency Report
Move by the Ondo State government to probe the cause of the death of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has generated controversy, as residents rejected the decision.
While cautioning the state government against proceeding with a coroner’s inquest over the demise of the former governor in 2023, the stakeholders described the development as uncalled for.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo had disclosed that some concerned groups and citizens within and outside the state had submitted petitions to the Ministry of Justice seeking the invocation of a coroner’s inquest.
According to Ajulo, the petitioners, who he did not disclose their identities, alleged that the widow of the late Akeredolu, Betty and others are suspected of being behind his demise.
Akeredolu died in December 2023 after succumbing to prostrate cancer, which he battled for a while.
While advising Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa against the move for the sake of peace, a former Minister of State for Transportation, Ademola Adegoroye described as unthinkable, government’s endorsement of the exhumation of the late governor’s body.
Adegoroye, who emphasised that those behind the petitions are mischievous, acknowledged that the state government has a responsibility to receive and act on any petition, but advised the governor not to walk into the booby trap which he said could dent his administration.
Also, a former Head of Service, Ajose Kudehinbu questioned the motive behind the coroner’s inquest, particularly since the cause of death had never arisen at any point.
“The executive power in the state resides only on one person, the governor, nobody else, and he is the one to give account at the end of the day, for the good times, for the bad times, to posterity. The executive power should neither be diluted nor shared for whatever reason.”
A legal practitioner, Sola Ajisafe, who stated that the inquest is unnecessary and may be divisive, stressed that it is an assault on the memory of the late governor, particularly as it is laced with sinister motives.
“Owo community is known for its complex dynamics and any action that might exacerbate tension should be avoided. I implore you to prioritise caution and consider the long-term implications of your decisions,” he said.
