A Call for Substantive Honor: The Akeredolu Family’s Plea to Governor Aiyedatiwa
The family of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has issued a poignant appeal to the incumbent Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, urging him to honor Akeredolu’s legacy not through symbolic gestures, but through the tangible completion of the projects initiated by the deceased governor. Akeredolu, who passed away in a German hospital after a protracted illness on December 27, 2023, left behind a vision for Ondo State’s development, a vision his family believes should be realized as the most fitting tribute to his memory. The family’s spokesperson, Babajide Akeredolu, articulated their sentiments in a statement released on Monday, emphasizing that while symbolic gestures are appreciated, true honor lies in concrete action.
The family’s statement specifically addressed the recent groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed Judicial Complex, a project initiated by Akeredolu. While acknowledging the governor’s gesture, the family expressed concern over the premature naming of the complex after the late governor before its completion. They argued that such acts, while seemingly well-intentioned, ring hollow without the commitment to see the project through to fruition. They stressed that Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria with a deep passion for the judiciary, would have valued the actualization of the project far more than any symbolic naming.
The Akeredolu family outlined several key projects they believe would truly honor the late governor’s legacy. High on the list is the upgrade of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic to a university. Akeredolu’s administration had completed all preliminary studies and recommendations for this upgrade, and the family urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to expedite the process, fulfilling his predecessor’s vision for enhanced educational opportunities in the state. They also advocated for the completion of Akure’s first flyover, a crucial infrastructure project envisioned by Akeredolu.
Furthermore, the family highlighted the issue of abandoned road projects across the state, urging the current administration to prioritize their completion. They also emphasized the importance of addressing the welfare of civil servants by rectifying discrepancies in salary payments. These concrete actions, according to the family, would be a more meaningful tribute to Akeredolu’s commitment to the people of Ondo State than symbolic gestures.
The statement also addressed the Akeredolu family’s absence from the maiden edition of the late governor’s memorial lecture, clarifying that they were not informed of the event. Babajide Akeredolu revealed that the family had informed Governor Aiyedatiwa of their own remembrance event planned in Owo, and the governor had acknowledged their plans and expressed the state government’s intention to participate. An official invitation was even delivered to the Government House, further solidifying the expectation of collaboration.
The family was therefore taken aback by the announcement of a separate state-organized event, learned through social media just three days prior, to which they were not invited. This perceived lack of courtesy and respect deeply disappointed the family, who questioned whether the oversight was intentional or a result of misguided advice to the governor. They emphasized that while the state government has the right to organize such events, basic protocol dictates that the family of the deceased be informed and included, particularly in an event intended to honor their patriarch.
The Akeredolu family’s message is clear: true honor lies not in symbolic gestures, but in the concrete realization of the vision and projects championed by the late governor. They call for a commitment to action, a continuation of the work Akeredolu began, as the most fitting tribute to his legacy. They believe that completing these projects, addressing the needs of the people, and upholding good governance would be the most meaningful way to immortalize Rotimi Akeredolu’s contributions to Ondo State. The future of these projects, and the manner in which the current administration responds to the family’s heartfelt appeal, will ultimately determine the true nature of the honor bestowed upon the late governor’s memory.
