Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has honored his predecessor, the late Rotimi Akeredolu, by naming the new High Court complex after him, despite opposition from Akeredolu’s widow, Betty.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the court complex, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the project as a historic milestone for the state. He emphasized that the development was a long-awaited achievement, as no modern high court had been established in Ondo since the state’s creation in 1976.
“This is not just a historic moment but the fulfillment of a long-standing dream for our judiciary,” Aiyedatiwa said. “Today, we are not only making history but also fulfilling the vision of late Governor Akeredolu, who desired a state-of-the-art high court complex to improve the judiciary’s efficiency and welfare.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa named the complex the “Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu Judiciary Complex” in honor of the late governor’s contributions to the state’s justice system.
However, the move has sparked controversy, as Betty Akeredolu, the widow of the late governor, rejected the state government’s plans to immortalize her husband.
She dismissed the idea as a joke and expressed no interest in the activities or planned lecture held in his memory.
Despite her objections, the naming of the court complex serves as a significant tribute to Akeredolu’s legacy.
