By Ayodele Oni
Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN has confirmed receipt of petitions demanding a formal coroner’s inquest into the death of former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Akeredolu, at the third year of his second term in office, died on December 27, 2023, at 67, after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.
Ajulo, in a statement, declared that the public has every right under the Coroners Law of Ondo State to demand clarity in cases where foul play is suspected or questions linger.
Although, identities of those seeking inquest are yet to be made public, Ajulo maintained that “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 stated.
According to Ajulo, the Ministry of Justice has received multiple petitions, including from professional bodies and residents of the late governor’s hometown, urging his office to investigate what they described as troubling inconsistencies surrounding Akeredolu’s death.
“We have received petitions from groups both within and outside the state.
“Let me be clear: due process will be followed. The law is there to serve the people and ensure that truth and justice prevail.”
He noted that while emotions are running high, no individual will be presumed guilty, and neither will the process be derailed by sentiment or political interference.
“If invitations or arrests need to be made, the process will not deviate from doing the needful.”
Ajulo clarified that decisions such as inspecting the governor’s remains or summoning individuals fall squarely under the discretion of the Coroner Judge.
“The law will be allowed to take its course,” he emphasized.
Calling for calm and restraint, the Attorney General urged all stakeholders to approach the matter with a “deep sense of responsibility” to the legacy of the late governor and the peace of the state.
“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.”
Reaffirming the stance of the state’s leadership under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ajulo wrote, “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.”
The latest development is one of the fallouts of actions and remarks which trailed the demolition of the Memorial Park built in remembrance of victims of terrorists attacks in Owo.
Families, and aides of the late Governor, including his widow, Betty- Anyanwu Akeredolu, who in her vituperations took swipe at the state government and Owo monarch, who she described as “baby Oba” had spontaneously reacted to the demolition.
It is not immediately known that the family of the late Governor is part of the inquest into his death or whether the state law allows for the consent of the family.
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