Ondo declares Thursday, Friday as public holidays for Akeredolu’s burial

The Ondo government has declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays in honour of the late Rotimi Akeredolu, former governor of the state.

Akeredolu, who died on December 27, 2023, would be buried on Friday in Owo, his home town.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ebenezer Adeniyan, chief press secretary to Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the governor, said the public holidays were declared to allow the people of the state to participate in the burial activities of the former governor.

“The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has declared Thursday, 22nd and Friday, 23rd of February 2024 as public holidays in the state,” the statement reads.

“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.”

The burial activities, which started last Thursday, will feature traditional rites for the late governor in Owo on Wednesday.

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 reads.

“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.”