Ondo to probe Akeredolu’s death, corpse may be exhumed 

The Ondo State Government has said it is finalising plan to probe the death of late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

It was also gathered that the former governor ‘s corpse is likely to be exhumed, while his widow, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, may be quizzed.

The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (SAN) said this in a statement on Monday.

Ajulo explained that the new development followed petitions received from concerned groups requesting the invocation of the Coroners Law of Ondo State in relation to the death.

He said citizens have the right to request the invocation of the Coroners Law, which is designed to address public concerns surrounding deaths considered unnatural or controversial.

He said 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.

He said, “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.”

The AG said there had been petitions relating to the death  of the late former governor, adding that the law would be allowed to take its course without bias or sentiment.

Ajulo assured that the Justice Ministry, under his leadership, is committed to transparency, rule of law, and due process in handling such sensitive matters.

He added, “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.”

The petitioners had 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 Arabinrin 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 Arakunrin Akeredolu died from cancer-related complications.

The Attorney General reiterated that there is a legal process for everything and urged citizens to allow the law to take its full course without prematurely casting aspersions on anyone.

He said, “If invitations or arrests need to be made, the process will not deviate from doing the needful.”

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.