THE recently inaugurated governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa has debunked claims that his erstwhile principal Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) died “in his sleep in a German hospital”, according to the family members of the late politician.
Speaking with journalists in Ibadan, Oyo State capital during a condolence visit to the family on Thursday, Mr Aiyedatiwa said Arakunrin Akeredolu died in his private residence in Ibadan.
This contradicts the position of the family of Arakunrin Akeredolu. The son of the deceased politicians, in tarse statement announcing the passing of his father specifically said he died in a German hospital.
The statement is reproduced below
OUR PATRIARCH HAS DEPARTED
With deepest regret and profound acceptance of the will of the Almighty, we announce the passing of our beloved, courageous, and compassionate father and grandfather, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.
He peacefully departed in his sleep at a hospital in Germany, where he was undergoing treatment for protracted prostate cancer.
While we are deeply saddened and devastated by his departure, we find solace in the understanding that as he transitions to eternity, he will be guided by the benevolent hands of the angels of light, with whom he resided during his remarkable and fruitful journey on Earth.
During this challenging time, we sincerely appreciate everyone who has stood by us and extended their support since the news broke. We humbly request your prayers and support, while also asking for privacy as we navigate through this trying period.
Daddy, may you rest in perfect peace.
Details regarding the burial arrangements will be announced by the family and the State Government in due course.
Signed:
Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu Jnr
For the Family
Also, the government of Ondo State, before Mr Aiyedatiwa took over as the substantive governor, announced that Arakunrin died in Germany.
In the statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, the government also said that Akeredolu died of prostate cancer.
Titled: “It Is a sad day in Ondo State,” the statement partly read, “With a heavy heart, the Ondo State Government announces the passing of our beloved Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.
“Mr. Governor peacefully departed from this world in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 27, 2023. This tragedy has left behind a profound void in our hearts.
“Governor Akeredolu answered the eternal call while receiving medical treatment in Germany. He succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer.”
But in contrast, the new state governor revealed that Akeredolu died in his private residence in Ibadan and not in Germany
He said: “We are here, the government under my leadership, the government of Ondo State, on behalf of the good people of Ondo State, to pay our condolence visit to the immediate family of our former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), who passed on yesterday in his private home here in Ibadan.
“Yes, we have to do this because he has always been our leader, a courageous one for that matter, one who has governed Ondo State in the last six and a half to seven years with great courage and with so many legacies that he has left behind. He is an exemplary leader, a courageous one. The leader who believed in fairness, equity and justice.
“A Senior Advocate of Nigeria who speaks on national issues so that adjustment and proper decision can be made concerning anything Nigeria. So he is known for that as an activist. Today he is no more; we have to pay him that respect by coming to the family to condole and commiserate.”
Eighteen-Eleven Media