By Henry Ojelu

The family of late Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Ondo State, Otunba Bamidele Akingboye, has disowned a purported burial planning committee set up in his honour, warning the public against donating money or responding to any fundraising appeals linked to it.

In a statement signed by the deceased’s widow, Mrs. Christiana Akingboye, the family said neither the immediate family nor several persons whose names appeared on the committee list were consulted before its formation.

The family said it was reacting to a publication announcing the constitution of various sub-committees allegedly to coordinate burial arrangements for the late politician.

“We wish to categorically state that neither the immediate family, including the widow and children of the deceased, nor several individuals whose names were listed in the publication, were consulted or involved in the formation of the said committees,” the statement read.

It dissociated itself from the committee, urging the public to disregard any fundraising, donations or financial requests being made in its name.

“Our family dissociates itself from the purported committee and all activities being carried out in its name. The public is advised to disregard the announcement and any fundraising, donations, or financial requests that may be linked to it,” it added.

The family stressed that it did not require any externally constituted committee to organise or fund the burial, describing any contrary claim as misleading.

It alleged that the exercise was designed to solicit funds from unsuspecting friends, associates and well-wishers of the deceased without the knowledge or approval of the immediate family.

The statement specifically named Samuel Akingboye, insisting he lacked the mandate of the widow, children and wider family to constitute committees, raise funds or make representations on their behalf.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Samuel Akingboye is acting on his own and does not have the mandate of the widow, children, or the wider family to constitute committees, raise funds, or make representations on their behalf regarding burial arrangements,” it stated.

Meanwhile, the family, through its lawyers, Abiodun Adesanya & Co., has written to counsel to Samuel Akingboye, Chief A.O. Ajulo, demanding the withdrawal of the committee publication and cessation of all related activities.

In a June 2, 2026 letter signed by the firm’s Managing Partner, Dr. Abiodun Adesanya, the lawyers said disputes over custody, access to, and burial of the deceased’s remains had earlier been resolved through mediation led by Chief F.O. Fagbohungbe, SAN, in Suit No. LD/9238FPM/2026.

They said the resolution was adopted as a consent judgment of the Lagos State High Court, adding that it did not empower any party to unilaterally constitute burial committees or act on behalf of the family.

The firm also faulted a May 31, 2026 publication announcing the burial planning committee, alleging that members of the family, including one of the deceased’s sons, were listed without consent.

It demanded the immediate withdrawal of the publication, suspension of all committee activities, and disclosure of all funds raised or solicited.

The lawyers gave Samuel Akingboye three days to comply, warning that failure to do so may lead to court action to enforce the consent judgment, including applications for injunctive and contempt orders.