‘Provocative, insensitive’ — Ondo YPP condemns coroner’s inquest into Akeredolu’s death

The Young Progressives Party (YPP) in Ondo West LGA has criticised Kayode Ajulo, the state attorney-general and commissioner for justice, for entertaining what it described as an “insensitive and provocative” petition seeking a coroner’s inquest into the death of Rotimi Akeredolu, late governor of the state.

Akeredolu, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), died on December 27, 2023.

On Monday, Ajulo said the ministry of justice has received multiple petitions calling for a formal coroner’s inquest into the late governor’s death.

Ajulo said under the coroner’s law of Ondo, the public has the right to demand clarity in cases where foul play is suspected or questions remain unanswered.

In a statement on Tuesday, Olabisi Gideon, acting publicity secretary of YPP Ondo West, said the attorney-general’s decision to publicise the petition could destabilise the peace and stability currently enjoyed in Ondo state.

“We believe the Attorney General’s decision to entertain — and even publicise — petitions from anonymous entities seeking the exhumation of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s remains under the Coroner Law is both insensitive and provocative,” the statement reads.

The party said the move was an affront to the legacy and family of the late governor, adding that it suspected the state government might be using state resources to settle personal or political scores.

“If the Attorney General or the current administration have personal or political grievances with Akeredolu, it is unjust to misuse state apparatus and resources in the pursuit of such vendettas,” the party said.

The YPP described Akeredolu as a dedicated leader who “served the people of Ondo State with dedication and died in active service,” insisting he deserved respect and honour befitting a statesman.

The party urged the administration Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ondo governor, to prioritise policies and reforms that would drive development rather than “actions that inflame public sentiment”.