By Abiola Olawale
The Ondo government has released the schedule of activities for the burial of former governor of the state, late Mr Rotimi Akeredolu.
The state government also declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays in honour of the former governor.
This was contained in a statement on issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan.
According to the statement, the burial activities which had started last Thursday, continued on Wednesday, February 21 with Ajabue (traditional rites) Owo.
The statement reads, “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.”
“A special court session will be held at the Ondo high court headquarters in Akure while the lying in state and commendation service will hold at the Akure Township Stadium.
“The evening of tributes will hold at St Andrews Church, Imola Street in Owo by 4pm – 7pm.
“On Thursday, service of songs will be held at the same church by 4pm while the wake-keep is scheduled for 8pm at Maranatha Villa in Owo.
“Candlelight Procession & World Gyration by the Kegites Club, Time: 8pm till Dawn,” the statement added.
The New Diplomat reports that Akeredolu passed away on December 27 in a German hospital during a protracted illness.
“Friday, February 23 (Public holiday): 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.”