28th February, 2024
Details have emerged how Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu singlehandedly footed the bills to fly the remains of former Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu from Germany to Nigeria for burial.
Akeredolu was buried last week.
The former governor’s widow, Betty Akeredolu disclosed this on Wednesday when President Bola Tinubu paid the family a condolence visit in Owo, Ondo State.
Family members who received the President alongside the former First Lady were the Late Akeredolu’s First son, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Jnr; Dr. Teni Micheal and her husband, Olatunde Micheal; Mrs. Yejide Rusewe, Esq, and her husband, Engr. Lakunle Rusewe; and Babajide Akeredolu.
Also present were Akeredolu’s siblings, Prof. Wole Akeredolu and Toyin Akeredolu. The Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state, Engr. Ade Adetimehin also joined the family during the meeting.
Speaking after the visit, Mrs. Akeredolu appreciated the President for the condolence visit.
Betty 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 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.”
Betty said she requested that the President see where Aketi had been laid to rest and that he followed her there.
“We are deeply grateful to Mr. President for coming. He’s 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.”