Widow of the late former governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, Betty has thanked President Bola Tinubu and the Southern Governors for their contributions towards the burial of her late husband.
Mrs Akeredolu spoke after Tinubu’s condolence visit to the family in Owo, the late governor’s hometown on Wednesday.
She described the President’s visit as a big deal.
The late Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, who passed away in Germany in December 2023, during a protracted illness, was buried at his country home on February 23, 2024.
Akeredolu’s wife specifically thanked the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his contributions during the burial.
She disclosed that Sanwo-Olu single-handedly brought the remains of the late Akeredolu to Nigeria a few days after the demise.
She said, “As you are aware, the President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, paid his condolence visit to my family. Present at the visit are my children and extended family members.
“On behalf of my family, I appreciate Mr. President. We understood he couldn’t attend the burial ceremony due to the dictate of Yoruba culture. He couldn’t have attended the burial of his younger brother.
“Coming today (Wednesday ) is a big deal because we are in a better atmosphere. I also express my profound gratitude to the Southern Governors for their immense financial contributions to the burial. Most especially, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu, who singlehandedly brought Aketi’s remains back to Nigeria. We appreciate this huge show of love and we are grateful and forever indebted to him.
“I requested that Mr. President see where Aketi has been laid to rest and he followed me. We are deeply grateful to Mr. President for coming. He is indeed, Aketi’s brother and friend.
“I told Mr. President, yes, Aketi has left but he lives because he left behind legacies. It is our wish that those legacies continue and are built upon where necessary.”
Credit – punch
