The Ondo State Government will soon commence probe into the death of former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN).
Its Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), who confirmed this in a statement on Monday, said the development was sequelto petitions received from concerned groups requesting the invocation of the Coroners Law of Ondo State in relation to the death.
According to him, citizens have the right to request the invocation of the Coroners Law, which is designed to address public concerns surrounding deaths considered unnatural or controversial.
He explained that under the 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.
He stated : “It is not out of place for citizens to demand its invocation when there are legitimate concerns.
“The Attorney General is duty-bound to act in accordance with the law once such concerns are raised by members of the public.”
Confirming the receipt of petitions relating to the demise of the late governor, he stated that the law would be allowed to take its course without bias or sentiment.
He assured that the Justice Ministry is committed to transparency, rule of law, and due process in handling such sensitive matters.
He added: “We have received petitions from groups both within and outside the state, including professional bodies and even from the late Governor’s hometown.
“Let me be clear: due process will be followed. The law is there to serve the people and ensure that truth and justice prevail.”
The petitioners urged the Attorney General to initiate an inquest to investigate the circumstances surrounding the former governor’s death.
They expressed concerns based on previous and recent public statements, as well as what they described as “unguarded and unhinged conduct” of Arabinrin Anyanwu-Akeredolu.
According to their petitions, she and others were explicitly named as persons of interest, with the petitioners claiming her actions cast doubt on the official narrative that Arakunrin Akeredolu died from cancer-related complications.
Asked about the steps his office would take, the Attorney General reiterated that there is a legal process for everything and urged citizens to allow the law to take its full course without prematurely casting aspersions on anyone.
He said: “If invitations or arrests need to be made, the process will not deviate from doing the needful.”
On the inspection of the remains of the late governor, Ajulo clarified that such matters fall within the purview of the Coroners Law and the discretion of the Coroner Judge, not his or that of any individual.
