Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo has declared work-free days in the state to honour his former principal, the late Rotimi Akeredolu, as activities for his burial rites begin.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Aiyedatiwa said the work-free days would commence from Thursday till Friday.

In the copy of the statement released by his spokesman, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor explained that the two work-free days would allow the residents to participate in Mr Akeredolu’s burial ceremony.

“This is in honour of the former governor of the state, late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON. The two work-free days will allow the people of the state to participate in the burial activities of the former governor,” said Mr Aiyedatiwa.

Mr Akeredolu died in December 2023 in Germany after battling with prostate cancer, which had kept him away from office for more than six months.

According to Mr Aiyedatiwa, Ajabue (traditional rites) would be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. He said a special court session, lying in state, commendation service, and evening of tributes would be held on the same day.

The governor added that on Thursday, a service of songs will be held at St Andrews Cathedral, Imola Street in Owo; the wake-keep rites will follow at Maranatha Villa, Owo, while a candlelight procession and World Gyration by the Kegites Club will be held till dawn.

He said the funeral service would be held at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo, on Friday; interment follows immediately after the burial service at the burial site, Owo (Strictly for immediate family) and reception at Mydas Hotel and Resort, Ikare road, Owo.

Also, a memorial-friendly football match will be held at Akure township stadium on Saturday. On Sunday, the Thanksgiving service will be held at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo.