The immediate family of the late Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has expressed dissatisfaction with the naming of an uncompleted project after him by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, describing the gesture as “premature and insincere.”
The family also advised Aiyedatiwa to reflect true loyalty and respect for the late governor in actions, and not with empty gestures or political gimmicks.
The family noted: “True loyalty and respect for the late governor must be reflected in actions, not empty gestures or political gimmicks,”.
The family emphasized that true honour lies in completing the projects initiated by the late governor.
In a statement issued by Babajide Akeredolu on behalf of the family, he commended the groundbreaking of the Judicial Complex, a project dear to the late governor, but criticized the politics surrounding it.
The family described the decision to name the project after the late governor before its completion as premature.
The family urged Aiyedatiwa to demonstrate genuine commitment to Akeredolu’s legacy by prioritising the completion and functionality of such projects.
The family noted a clash between the government’s Leadership Lecture Series and the Akeredolu family’s remembrance programme in Owo.
Babajide Akeredolu stated that the family had formally informed the governor of their plans, but the state government organized its event without consulting or inviting any family members.
This omission was termed “discourteous and disrespectful” for an event meant to honour a former governor.
The family listed the following as critical projects initiated by Akeredolu that require urgent attention;
Preliminary studies were completed during Akeredolu’s administration, but progress has stalled.
The completion of the Flyover at Onyearugbulem Junction, regarded as a flagship infrastructure project meant to be completed within 18 months but is now progressing slowly.
Roads behind SIB and Ijoka Road have been neglected, causing hardship for residents.
Oda Road has seen substandard work compared to projects completed during Akeredolu’s tenure.
The family criticized the state government for discrepancies in salary payments, high tax burdens, and failure to implement a fair minimum wage.
The family accused Aiyedatiwa of alienating individuals associated with Akeredolu and called for an end to divisive actions. They also urged the governor to emulate his predecessor’s courage and conviction in leadership.
The family appreciated the Deputy Governor for representing the state at the remembrance event and other functions in the governor’s absence.
They advised Governor Aiyedatiwa to separate politics from governance and focus on effective leadership to leave a lasting legacy.
The family reassured the people of Ondo State of their commitment to preserving the late governor’s legacy, speaking truth to power, and holding leaders accountable.
The family noted: “True loyalty and respect for the late governor must be reflected in actions, not empty gestures or political gimmicks,”.
