Preserve Akeredolu’s legacies, family tells Aiyedatiwa

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo has been advised that the only way to immortalise late governor Rotimi Akeredolu, is through a commitment towards preserving the legacy of the late governor and giving priority to the completion of key projects initiated by Akeredolu.

Speaking on behalf of the Akeredolu’s family, Babajide Akeredolu, in a statement he personally signed described the naming of a project after the late governor before its completion as misplaced priorities.

He said the naming of the judicial complex after his father is just premature and insincere, saying true immortality lies in completing the project and ensuring its functionality.

He said; “We acknowledge and commend Governor Aiyedatiwa for performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed Judicial Complex, a project initiated by Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

“As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a passionate advocate for the judiciary, this project was dear to his heart. However, the current politics surrounding the project are glaring.

“Naming a project after someone before its completion is both premature and insincere. True immortality lies in completing the project and ensuring its functionality.

“If the governor is genuinely committed to honoring Arakunrin Akeredolu’s legacy, he must demonstrate this through actions, not empty gestures”.

The son of the late governor, Babajide, who also clarified the absence of the Akeredolu’s family at the maiden edition of his memorial lecture, disclosed that the family was not informed of the development.

According to him, “Specifically, the Leadership Lecture Series organised by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, coinciding with our family’s remembrance event in Owo, deserves clarification and context.

“It is important to state unequivocally that Governor Aiyedatiwa was aware of the Akeredolu family’s plans for the remembrance. My uncle and head of the Akeredolu family, Prof. Wole Akeredolu, personally informed the governor at his monthly praise night in November at the Dome in Akure.

“The governor acknowledged this and affirmed that the state government would be a part of the event”.

He explained, “An official invitation letter was delivered to the Director of Protocol, Government House, Mr George Asonja. The letter was duly received and acknowledged.

“At no point did the governor or his representatives indicate any conflicting plans or suggest that the state government intended to organise a separate event.

“It was, therefore, both shocking and deeply disappointing to learn about the state-organised event through social media, just three days before it was held. Even more disappointing was that no member of the Akeredolu family was invited to this event.

“This lack of courtesy and respect is unheard of and unbecoming, especially for an event meant to honour the memory of a former governor and patriarch.

“While we recognise that the state government has the prerogative to organise such events, basic decency and protocol demand that the family of the deceased be informed and included. This glaring oversight leads one to question if it was intentional mischief or based on erroneous advice from the governor’s aides”

The young Akeredolu maintained that if Aiyedatiwa truly wished to immortalise Akeredolu, he should give priority to the completion of key projects initiated by our late Akeredolu.

He said the governor should “Upgrade Rufus Giwa Polytechnic to a University. All preliminary studies and recommendations for this upgrade were completed during Akeredolu’s administration. The governor should expedite this process to fulfill his predecessor’s vision.

“Complete the first flyover in Akure. The flyover at Onyearugbulem Junction, a turnkey project meant to be completed within 18 months, is crawling at a snail’s speed. Its completion would be a fitting honour to Akeredolu’s commitment to infrastructure development”.

He also urged Aiyedatiwa to address abandoned road projects and said; “The road construction behind SIB in Akure has been abandoned, Residents are groaning during both the dry and rainy seasons.

“The Ijoka Road has deteriorated into a nightmare due to neglect. Even the shoddy work done on Oda Road since Governor Aiyedatiwa took over pales in comparison to the quality delivered during Akeredolu’s administration.

“Address the glaring discrepancies in salary payments. The so-called minimum wage in Ondo State falls short of the lesser wages paid in other states. When deductions are considered, the high tax element compared to other South-West states has made nonsense of the minimum wage.

“In Ondo State, the minimum wage table is short of what was promised and announced by the governor. Even after the approval of the table, Mr. Governor still directed further reduction of the amount again. This is not Akeredolu’s legacy to the civil service.

“Resolve the issue of unpaid deductions and the lack of funding for ministries and parastatals.

“These are the meaningful ways to honour Arakunrin Akeredolu’s legacy. His love for Ondo State and its people must not be diminished by retrogressive policies or political gimmicks.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa must halt the vindictive and divisive acts of punishing or ostracizing anyone associated with Arakunrin Akeredolu.

“True loyalty and respect for the late governor cannot coexist with disdain for his policies, family, or vision.

“It is hypocritical and unbecoming of leadership that claims to want to honour the legacy of its predecessor every time the opportunity presents itself”.

The son of the late Akeredolu congratulated Aiyedatiwa on his victory at the recently concluded governorship election, urging him to take a cue from his predecessor’s courage and conviction.

He advised him to “lead boldly, stand up for the people, and prosecute your convictions with courage. Politics and governance are mutually exclusive and an everlasting legacy is hinged on effective governance.

“The place of governance must not be desecrated with murky water of politics. Leadership demands strength, not a lily-livered approach. Only then will you truly earn the respect and admiration of the people”.

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