>
Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Two socio-political groups in Ondo State, Conscience of Progressive Change (CPC) and Ondo Elites Assembly, have berated the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for failing to join late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s family in receiving his remains at the Airport in Lagos, on Friday.
In separate statements made available to newsmen in Akure, the state capital, on Saturday, the groups condemned Aiyedatiwa’s absence, describing it as “cruel and inhumane.”
They stated that nothing should be too much for Aiyedatiwa to do to honour the late Akeredolu, adding that he is the direct beneficiary of the former governor in life and death.
The statement signed by CPC Coordinator, Remi Ogunmola, read in part: “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 South West could send eminent representatives, was it too much to ask Aiyedatiwa, the direct beneficiary of Akeredolu’s death, to be present?”
Also, the statement signed by General Secretary of Ondo Elites Assembly, Chief Yemi Oladiran, faulted Aiyedatiwa’s actions.
It noted that since the demise of Akeredolu, Aiyedatiwa’s actions have clearly indicated that he was only “shedding crocodile tears.”
“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 behaviour 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 South West at large. He deserved better,” Oladiran said.