Late Akeredolu’s Body Arrives Nigeria
The body of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has arrived Nigeria. The plane conveying the body arrived at about 3:39 p.m on Friday, January 5, 2024. The late Governor’s remains were brought into the country from Germany, where he passed away. The body was received by his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, his children, and siblings led by Prof. Wole Akeredolu, the immediate younger brother. Akeredolu passed away in Germany on December 26, 2023. His remains have been deposited at the morgue until the final burial. Details of the burial arrangements will be announced by the family at a later date.
BREAKING! Lucky Aiyedatiwa Sworn In As Governor
Following the unfortunate passing of Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, the Acting Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has been sworn in as the substantive Governor. After the swearing-in ceremony, Aiyedatiwa is expected to promptly appoint key officials such as the Chief of Staff, Chief Security Officer, Chief Press Secretary, among others, and initiate a cabinet reshuffle. The demise of Governor Akeredolu occurred on Wednesday in a German hospital after a challenging battle with leukemia. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by key figures including the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, members of the assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, and the state chairman of the ruling party APC, Ade Adetimehin. Additionally, members of the Executive Council, political office holders, and other party members graced the occasion with their presence.
Akeredolu’s Death A Colossal Loss- AGF
Attorney General of the Federation(AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, has described the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State as a colossal loss to the country, the legal world and civil society organisations. Prince Fagbemi said Akeredolu’s days as the president of the Nigerian Bar Association brought immense growth to the bar. “I’m saddened by his death. He was a patriot, a goal-getter and legal luminary who served his state well and the entire country. “He will be sorely missed by the NBA, Body of Benchers, Body of Senior Advocates, Nigeria Governors Forum and Southern Governors Forum” the AGF said. In a statement on Wednesday, the AGF extended his sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, the government and people of Ondo State, and the entire nation, while praying God to grant his soul rest in peace. END.
Court Halts Ondo Assembly Impeachment Move Against Dep Gov Aiyedatiwa
A Federal High Court Abuja on Tuesday, halted the impeachment process against the Ondo State House of Assembly Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over alleged gross misconduct, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit before it. Justice Emeka Nwite also restrained Governor Rotimi Akeredolu from nominating a new deputy governor and forwarding same to the lawmakers for approval. The ruling was following an ex-parte motion moved by counsel to Aiyedatiwa, Kayode Adewusi. Justice Nwite held that after listening to Adewusi, he was of the view that the interest of justice would be met by granting the application. “Therefore, the application of the applicant succeeds,” he said. The embattled deputy governor had, in a motion on notice marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1294/2023, sued the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services. Others are Akeredoku, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Judge of Ondo State, and the House of Assembly as 1st to 6th respondents respectively. In the application dated and filed by Mr Adelanke Akinrata on September 21, Aiyedatiwa sought four reliefs. The judge further made an order of interim injunction restraining Akeredolu, his servants, or privies from harassing, intimidating, embarrassing, and preventing Aiyedatiwa from carrying out the functions of his office as deputy governor of Ondo state. Justice Nwite, who granted all the reliefs adjourned the matter until October 9 for a hearing. Aiyedatiwa had, also in another suit marked: AK/348/2023 asked the High Court in Akure to stop the state’s house of assembly from proceeding with the impeachment proceedings against him pending the hearing and determination of the suit filed in the court on Monday.