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The Ondo State Government has revealed that a coroner’s inquest will be launched to probe the circumstances surrounding the death of former governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The late Akeredolu died on December 27, 2023, at the age of 67, after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.
But eighteen months later, the Ondo State Government, through the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday in Akure, disclosed that the move became imperative following a request from some concerned citizens of the state who submitted a petition to the Ministry of Justice.
According to Ajulo, under the law, any citizen or group who reasonably suspects foul play or has lingering questions about a person’s death has the legal right to demand a coroner’s inquest.
Read also: Akeredolu’s demise: The price for activism
“It is not out of place for citizens to demand its invocation when there are legitimate concerns. The Attorney General is duty-bound to act in accordance with the law once such concerns are raised by members of the public,” he said.
While confirming the receipt of petitions relating to the demise of the late governor, Ajulo maintained that the law would be allowed to take its course without bias or sentiment. He assured that the Ministry, under his leadership, is committed to transparency, the rule of law, and due process in handling such sensitive matters.
“We have received petitions from groups both within and outside the state, including professional bodies and even from the late Governor’s hometown. Let me be clear: due process will be followed. The law is there to serve the people and ensure that truth and justice prevail,” Ajulo affirmed.
The petitioners urged the Attorney General to initiate an inquest to investigate the circumstances surrounding the former Governor’s death. They raised concerns based on previous and recent public statements, as well as what they described as “unguarded and unhinged conduct” of the former First Lady, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu. In their petitions, she and others were explicitly named as persons of interest, with the petitioners claiming her actions cast doubt on the official narrative that the former Governor died from cancer-related complications.
The Attorney General reiterated that there was a legal process for everything and urged citizens to allow the law to take its full course without prematurely casting aspersions on anyone, saying “If invitations or arrests need to be made, the process will not deviate from doing the needful.”
Read also: Ondo poll: Aiyedatiwa destroying Akeredolu’s legacy of Amotekun – Agboola Ajayi
Responding to questions about the inspection of the remains of the late Governor, Ajulo clarified that such matters fall within the purview of the Coroners Law and the discretion of the Coroner Judge, not his or that of any individual. “The law will be allowed to take its course,” he added.
The chief law officer of the State also called for calm and civility, urging members of the public to let legal procedures unfold without interference. He said, “We must approach this issue with civility, dignity, and a deep sense of responsibility to the legacy of the late Governor and the peace of the state.”
Reiterating the commitment of the current administration, Ajulo stressed that the government under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa remains unwavering in its pursuit of justice and constitutional order.
“No one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection. Where the law provides a remedy, the government of Governor Aiyedatiwa will not be found wanting,” he concluded.
