The passing of former Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, has left a somber atmosphere in Owo, his hometown. Akeredolu, also known as ‘Aketi,’ succumbed to a prolonged battle with cancer while receiving treatment in Germany. His demise on December 27, 2023, elicited an outpouring of tributes and condolences from various quarters, lauding his fearlessness and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people.

President Bola Tinubu, state governors, traditional rulers, and political associates, among others, extolled Akeredolu’s courageous leadership, particularly his role in championing the establishment of the South-Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun Corps, in the face of considerable opposition.

The late governor’s son, Rotimi Akeredolu Jnr., described his father as courageous and compassionate, urging for prayers and privacy as the family navigates through this trying period. The Sunshine State government declared three days of mourning to honor Akeredolu, and condolence registers were opened at various locations.

However, observations reveal a stark contrast in the community’s response to Akeredolu’s passing. Akeredolu’s family’s absence in Owo during the mourning period raised eyebrows, with only a few residents actively participating in the mourning rituals. The lack of a significant presence in Owo and the subsequent resumption of social and business activities as usual seemed incongruous with the stature of the late governor.

Notably, Akeredolu’s family was conspicuously absent from their Owo residence, opting to receive visitors in Jericho GRA, Ibadan. The absence of the family in their hometown, a place where significant attention would be expected, prompted many to question their decision.

The community’s subdued response to Akeredolu’s death was juxtaposed with the influx of sympathizers and dignitaries at the palace of Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye. This divide in reactions further underscores the puzzling absence of Akeredolu’s family during the mourning period.

The situation has evoked varying sentiments within the community, with some rationalizing the family’s decision to receive sympathizers in Ibadan, citing Akeredolu’s strong ties to the city. Conversely, others have criticized the family, emphasizing the need for their presence in Owo, considering the late governor’s significance to the community.

The absence of Akeredolu’s family in Owo during this period of mourning has sparked debate and introspection, prompting a broader discussion about the role of leaders and their families in times of bereavement. As the people of Ondo State bid farewell to their beloved former governor, the nuances of grief and commemoration beget deeper contemplation on the legacy of a man who left an indelible mark on his community and beyond.

Community Leaders Voice Concerns Over Akeredolu’s Family Mourning Location

Community leaders in Owo have expressed their concerns over the decision of the late former Governor Akeredolu’s family to mourn in Ibadan, rather than in their hometown. The late governor, who passed away while in office, is being mourned by his family outside of Owo, sparking discussions about the appropriateness of their chosen location for mourning.

An Owo indigene, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated, “It is not proper for the family of late Akeredolu to be mourning in Ibadan. Akeredolu was an original Owo indigene who made a significant impact in the community and Ondo State as a whole. The family should have honored him by mourning in Owo.”

Alhaji Abimbola Omolola, a community leader in Owoland, emphasized the significance of the bereaved Akeredolu’s family being present in Owo during the mourning period. He expressed optimism that the family would eventually return to their hometown for the mourning rites despite their current location in Ibadan.

Omolola described the death of Akeredolu as a great loss to the Owo community and stressed the importance of according the late former governor a befitting burial and honor from all stakeholders in the state. He made it clear that it might be decades before the community would have the opportunity to produce another governor for the state.

As of the time of writing, no official statement on the burial arrangement of the deceased has been released by the family or the state government. However, it has been gathered that the government is planning to set up a committee for the burial. Additionally, a source close to Akeredolu’s family disclosed that the late former governor would be interred in Owo, his hometown.

The community’s concerns and the uncertainty surrounding the official burial arrangements have brought about a sense of anticipation and reflection on the legacy of the late former governor. As discussions continue, the fate of Akeredolu’s final resting place remains a topic of keen interest and importance for the people of Owo and the entire Ondo State.