Fresh controversy is brewing in Ondo State following growing calls on the state government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Akeredolu passed away on December 27, 2023, in Germany after battling a long-term illness.
At the time, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was serving in acting capacity before being sworn in as the substantive governor shortly after.
On Monday, the state government confirmed receipt of several petitions from residents, especially from Akeredolu’s hometown, Owo, as well as professional groups, demanding a coroner’s inquest into the former governor’s demise.
The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, in a statement, confirmed the development, stating that the demands are grounded in the Coroners Law of Ondo State, which allows the public to seek clarity where suspicions of foul play exist.
“We have received petitions from groups both within and outside the state, including professional bodies and even from the late governor’s hometown,” Ajulo said.
“Let me be clear: due process will be followed. The law is there to serve the people and ensure that truth and justice prevail. It is not out of place for citizens to demand its invocation when there are legitimate concerns,” he added.
Ajulo maintained that the Ministry of Justice would act strictly within the law, and that there would be no room for bias or sentiment in handling such a sensitive issue.
However, the announcement has been met with strong reactions from prominent citizens who are urging caution.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Minister of State for Transport, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, warned the state government not to allow itself to be used for political witch-hunt or to further deepen divisions.
In a statement titled “All Things Are Lawful but Not All Things Are Expedient,” Adegoroye said, “The government must not allow itself to be dragged into an unnecessary wildfire. I have received calls from concerned individuals within and outside the state since the news of the planned inquest broke.”
He cautioned the Attorney General to carefully assess the motive behind the petitions, stressing that those behind the calls may have hidden political agendas.
“Everyone should let the dead rest. Let the controversies around him end and let God be God in the matter,” he said.
Also speaking, a legal practitioner in the state, Mr. Sola Ajisafe, advised Governor Aiyedatiwa to apply wisdom in handling the situation, warning that his legacy could be affected by how he navigates the matter.
“Mr Governor sir, as you navigate these challenges, I hope you’ll remember the importance of gratitude, empathy, and wisdom. Your legacy will be defined by the choices you make, and I pray that you’ll choose a path that promotes healing and unity,” Ajisafe said.
As the debate continues, the state government is expected to make a final decision in the coming days on whether to proceed with a formal coroner’s inquest.
