The remains of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo arrived in his hometown of Owo, in Owo LGA of the state, on Wednesday evening.

Mr Akeredolu’s corpse arrived in his home town shortly after a lying-in-state was held at the Alagbaka governor’s office in Akure, the state capital.

This was followed by a court session at the Ondo State High Court in Akure, attended by dignitaries and personalities who paid glowing tributes to the deceased.  

At Owo, the arrival of the body of the former governor evoked a sombre atmosphere and heartfelt emotions as the indigenes trooped the streets to pay their respects to the departed.

The mourners, who gathered at Emure junction of Owo, received the remains of Mr Akeredolu as a sign of honour and respect for their illustrious son.

The body was also received by the two members of the Ondo State House of Assembly representing the hometown, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi and Morenike Witherspoon.

As the convoy drove through the main streets of Owo, students from various secondary schools in the town, including Imade College and St. Louis Grammar School, stood at strategic locations, waving the Nigerian flag as a sign of respect for the late governor.

Tears flowed freely as a large crowd struggled to catch a glimpse of the casket carrying the remains of the late governor.

Despite earlier events held in the Akure, the people of Mr Akeredolu’s home town came out in numbers, lining the major streets of the town to participate in the traditional Ajabue procession proceeding with the arrival of the governor’s corpse.

Earlier, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had noted that the people of the state will never forget the life-changing interventions Mr Akeredolu used the power of government to bring to the state.

Mr Aiyedatiwa noted that the state still remembers and benefits from the former governor’s industrialisation efforts, infrastructure projects, and intervention in education, health and human capital development.

“We remember your vision, your laughter, your warmth and firmness. We remember your zeal and compassion for the vulnerable. Most importantly, we will continue to remember forever, your integrity, character and faith.

“Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, you were a true commander- visionary in thinking, focused in execution and dedicated in sustenance. You were a true patriot. You were loyal to friendship, shared beliefs and justice for the weakest.

“Aketi, you came, you served and you left great marks in the sand of times. And as we gather here today to pay our respect to the gone leader, I ask you to look at the remains of the man who asked not what Ondo State can do for him but what he could do for Ondo State,” he added at the lying-in-state held at the State High Court in Akure.

The Gazette reports that the funeral arrangements continue on Thursday in Owo with a service of songs, wake and candlelight procession.