Family and friends cried bitterly yesterday as the body of the late former governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, arrived in Nigeria.

The late governor’s remains were brought into the country from Germany, where he passed away on December 26, 2023.

The atmosphere was filled with grief as the corpse adorned in the Nigerian flag was lowered from the plane after it arrived at about 3:39pm.

The former Chief Press Secretary to the late governor, Olabode Olatunde, confirmed the arrival of the remains of the ex-governor to Saturday PUNCH.

The deceased family, including his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, his children, and siblings, led by Prof. Wole Akeredolu, received the corpse alongside some of his political allies at the Murtala International Airport, Lagos State.

Also, present are the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbi Talabi; and representative of Osun State Governor, Senator Demola Adeleke.

Others are the Ondo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Ade Adetimehin; a member of the House of Representatives, Gboyega Adefarati, and some members of the Ondo State Executive Council, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu.

It was gathered that the remains had since been deposited at the morgue while the burial arrangements would be announced by the family.