The Ondo State Government has announced the launch of a coroner’s inquest to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, following petitions from concerned citizens questioning the official cause of death.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Kayode Ajulo revealed that the investigation was necessitated by requests from citizens who submitted petitions to the Ministry of Justice expressing concerns about the former governor’s death eighteen months ago.
Akeredolu, who governed the Sunshine State until his death, officially succumbed to prostate cancer after a prolonged battle with the disease during his tenure. However, the petitioners have raised questions about the circumstances leading to his demise.
Speaking about the development, Ajulo declined to disclose the identities of the petitioners but revealed that some have alleged the involvement of the late governor’s widow, Betty Akeredolu, and others in his death. The Attorney-General emphasized that these are allegations that require proper investigation through legal channels.
“It is not out of place for citizens to demand its invocation when there are legitimate concerns,” Ajulo stated, explaining that the coroner’s law in the state was specifically designed to address public concerns surrounding deaths considered unnatural or controversial.
The chief legal officer stressed that under Ondo State’s coroner 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. This legal provision ensures that deaths that generate public concern receive proper investigation.
Ajulo disclosed that petitions requesting the inquest were received from multiple sources, including citizens within and outside Ondo State, professional bodies, and residents from the late former governor’s hometown. This widespread concern contributed to the government’s decision to proceed with the formal investigation.
According to the Attorney-General, the petitioners specifically raised concerns about what they described as the “unguarded and unhinged conduct” of the former First Lady. The petitioners claim that Betty Akeredolu’s actions have cast doubt on the official narrative that the former governor died from cancer-related complications.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to transparency and due process, Ajulo assured that the law would be allowed to take its course without bias or sentiment. The coroner’s inquest will provide an official platform for examining all evidence and testimony related to the circumstances of Akeredolu’s death.
The announcement marks a significant development in what has become a contentious issue since the former governor’s passing. The inquest will aim to either confirm the official cause of death or uncover any previously unknown circumstances that may have contributed to his demise.
As the investigation proceeds, all parties involved will have the opportunity to present evidence and testimony before the coroner, ensuring a thorough examination of the facts surrounding one of Ondo State’s most prominent political figures’ final days.
