For his absence at the airport on Friday afternoon to receive the remains of former Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, the new state governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa has come under attacks by two groups of indigenes – the Conscience of Progressive Change (CPC) and the Ondo Elites Assembly (OEA). While the CPC described his action as “sheer wickedness”, the OAE expressed shock at the governor’s absence.
Members of the immediate family of the late Akeredolu were joined by other officials across the Soutwest to receive his body on return from Germany where he died last December. Although no state governor was physically present at the airport, the CPC argued that Ayedatiwa could have been there in person as a sign of respect to the late governor.
The CPC, in a statement issued in Akure, the Ondo state capital, wondered what could be more important to Ayedatiwa than making himself available to receive the body of Akeredolu. Its coordinator, Remi Ogunmola signed the statement.
He said: “It is sheer wickedness to refuse to receive the body of your former principal, a man who died while in active service to the state, and whose tenure you are completing.
“Since the demise of Governor Akeredolu, we have continued to hear and verify various stories that initially started as rumours. Governor Aiyedatiwa’s refusal to receive the late Akeredolu’s body has substantiated many of these insinuations and rumours.
“What could Hon. Aiyedatiwa be doing that is so important? Was it too much to lead all members of the state executive council in receiving the body of the late governor?
“If other state governors in the Southwest could send eminent representatives, was it too much to ask Aiyedatiwa, the direct beneficiary of Akeredolu’s death, to be present?.” Ogunmola wondered.
On his part, the General Secretary of Ondo Elites Assembly, Chief Yemi Oladiran faulted Governor Aiyedatiwa’s actions saying he only shed crocodile tears at the passage of Akeredolu.
The OEA said: “The group found it even more shocking that Aiyedatiwa exclaimed “A ku orire” (Congratulations to us) during his inauguration, which occurred the day the late Governor passed away.
“With this development, we don’t need to be told that Aiyedatiwa didn’t hold his late boss in high regard. Even in death, Aiyedatiwa has continued to display a lack of respect and love for the deceased. It’s a sad and unfortunate situation.
“We are deeply concerned by the way Governor Aiyedatiwa has been handling the death of his late principal. His behavior has been apathetic and unsympathetic. It is evident that this is not the appropriate way to treat someone’s benefactor.
“It’s highly disheartening to see Akeredolu’s body moved from the airport without any insignia or sign of the state government. Akeredolu did his best for the state and the Southwest at large. He deserved better.”
