Ondo governor Aiyedatiwa declares three-day mourning over Akeredolu’s death
The Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has declared three days of mourning in honour of his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu, who died on Wednesday.
This was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Wednesday evening.
The mourning commences on Thursday, December 28 2023.
The governor also ordered national flags to be flown at half-mast across the state.
The statement read, “In a solemn declaration, the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has announced a three-day period of state mourning in honour of the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, former Governor of Ondo State, who died in the early hours of Wednesday, December 27, 2023.
“This period of mourning, with fasting and prayer, takes effect from Thursday, December 28 to Saturday, December 30, 2023. Also, all national flags are to be flown at half-mast in reflection of the mood of the state for seven days.
“The governor also announced the suspension of state government ceremonies during this period of mourning.
“Meanwhile, condolence registers have been opened at the Governor’s Office and the Government House in Akure, as well as State Liaison Offices in Lagos and Abuja.
“May the soul of our late leader rest in perfect peace, Amen.”
Earlier, Aiyedatiwa, appointed five aides barely a few hours after taking the oath of office.
The announcement was made in a statement on Wednesday by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Omojuwa Olusegun.
According to the statement, Aiyedatiwa appointed a seasoned journalist, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan, as his Chief Press Secretary and Sunday Abire as Special Assistant on New Media.
Ebenezer Adeniyan was, until his new appointment, Publisher of Trace News magazine.
Others were Abire Sunday, Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Smart Omodunbi, Special Assistant on Political Matters, Monturayo Oyedele, Special Assistant on Photography and Temitayo Iperepolu, Special Assistant on Domestic and Government House.
The first set of appointments takes immediate effect.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the Ondo state governor on Union Matters and special duties, Dare Aragbaye, has tendered his resignation.
In a letter addressed to the Secretary to the State Government SSG and dated December 27, Aragbaye said he was resigning because of the death of the governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
The letter reads, “l write to refer to the subject above and to resign my appointment as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties with effect from today, Wednesday, 27 December, 2023.
“My decision to resign is based on the unfortunate death of my Principal a fearless and honest leader, Governor Arakunm Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN CON, whom I am loyal to even in death.
“I sincerely thank his excellency for the opportunity granted me to serve in his administration as a member of the State Executive Council first as a Head of Service and now, as Special Adviser.”
Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to Akeredolu on Sexual Duties and Strategy, Oladoyin Odebowale also tendered his resignation.
Although no reason was given for his decision, he thanked the Ondo State Government for the opportunity to serve.
