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A plan by the Ondo State Government to investigate the death of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has triggered widespread outrage, with leaders across the state warning that the move could reopen wounds and destabilize the polity.
The controversy erupted after the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo (SAN), revealed that the ministry had received multiple petitions demanding a coroner’s inquest into Akeredolu’s death. Some of the petitions reportedly alleged foul play involving the late governor’s widow, Betty Akeredolu, and other unnamed individuals.
The move has drawn vociferous criticism from political players, attorneys, and stakeholders across the community who feel the step is unnecessary and likely contentious.
A former Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, called the planned investigation “unthinkable” and stated that it would create turmoil in a state that was still yet to recover from Akeredolu’s death.
“This plan is completely unnecessary. It will only lead to chaos,” Adegoroye said. “Exhuming Akeredolu’s body will dishonour his legacy. Governor Aiyedatiwa must not allow mischief-makers to dictate such a reckless path.”
Former Head of Service in Ondo, Mr Ajose Kudehinbu, echoed similar concerns. He questioned the motive behind the sudden push for a probe, noting that no such demand existed during or after Akeredolu’s burial in December 2023.
“Those who genuinely care about peace in Ondo should discourage this. Leadership demands caution, not controversy,” Kudehinbu said.
An Akure-based lawyer, Sola Ajisafe, described the development as “an assault on the memory of the late governor.” He added that dragging Akeredolu’s widow into the matter over past disagreements, including her alleged role in the controversial demolition of the Owo Cenotaph, was “unfair and inflammatory.”
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“This isn’t just a legal issue — it’s cultural and emotional,” he said. “Owo has a unique history. Any careless move now could deepen divisions.”
Ajisafe also criticised the Attorney-General for referencing the late governor’s widow in his justification for the probe, saying it cast doubt on the impartiality of the entire process.
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Akeredolu, the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, died in Germany following prostate cancer complications in December 2023. He had been widely and openly reported to have died following complications of his health but the new petitions have stirred rumors and suspicion.
While Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has yet to issue a personal statement on the controversy, political watchers believe the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the planned investigation proceeds — or is shelved amid public pressure.
Observers are warning that the decision could shape Aiyedatiwa’s public perception and political future, especially in a state still sharply divided along political and ethnic lines.
“The governor must rise above politics and choose peace,” Ajisafe added. “History will judge.”
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