The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays in the state.
Aiyedatiwa in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated that the public holidays were declared in honour of the late former Governor of the state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Akeredolu gave up the ghost in December 2023, in Germany, after battling with prostrate cancer.
According to the governor, the two work-free days will allow residents of the state to participate in the burial activities of the former governor.
The funeral rites of the late Akeredolu, will be witnessed by the Ajabue traditional rite in his hometown of Owo, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of the state, on Wednesday, while a special court session will also be held in his honour at Court 1 of the Ondo State High Court the same day.
On the same day, there will be a lying-in-state and a commendation service at the Akure Township Stadium by 1 p.m. as well as an evening of tributes at Saint Andrews Church, Owo.
“Thursday, February 22 (public holiday): Service of Songs
St. Andrews Cathedral, Imola Street,
Owo. Time: 4pm. Wake-Keep
Maranatha Villa, Owo.
Time: 8pm
“Candlelight Procession and World Gyration by the Kegites Club,
Time: 8 p.m. until dawn
“Friday, February 23 (public holiday):
Funeral Service at St. Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo.
Time: 10 a.m.
“Interment follows immediately after the burial service at the burial site, Owo. (strictly for immediate family). Reception at Mydas Hotel and Resort, Ikare Road, Owo, by 1 p.m.
“Saturday, February 24, 2024:
Akeredolu Memorial Friendly Football Match, Akure Township Stadium, Akure, Time: 3 p.m.
“Sunday, February 25, 2024:
Thanksgiving Service at St. Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo, Time: 10 a.m.”
Ondo: Aiyedatiwa declares public holidays for Akeredolu’s funeral rites
