Naming uncompleted project after my father insincere – Akeredolu’s son tells Ondo Gov

Babajide Akeredolu, son of late Rotimi Akeredolu, a former governor of Ondo, has knocked Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of the state, over naming an uncompleted project after his father.

Last week, Aiyedatiwa launched the construction of a high Court complex, a project said to be conceived by the former governor.

The elder Akeredolu died on December 27, 2023, aged 67, from prostate cancer complications.

Aiyedatiwa, who had been acting governor before Akeredolu’s demise, secured a fresh governorship term on November 16, 2024.

In a statement on Monday, the younger Akeredolu said true immortality lies in completing the project and ensuring its functionality.

“We acknowledge and commend Governor Aiyedatiwa for performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed Judicial Complex, a project initiated by Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,” Babajide said.

“As a senior advocate of Nigeria and a passionate advocate for the judiciary, this project was dear to his heart. However, the current politics surrounding the project are glaring.

“Naming a project after someone before its completion is both premature and insincere.”

Akeredolu’s son alleged that the Ondo government did not carry his family along in a plan to hold a memorial lecture for his father.

“It was, therefore, both shocking and deeply disappointing to learn about the state-organised event through social media, just three days before it was held. Even more disappointing was that no member of the Akeredolu family was invited to this event,” he said.

“This lack of courtesy and respect is unheard of and unbecoming, especially for an event meant to honour the memory of a former governor and patriarch.”