Breaking: Rotimi Akeredolu Dies After Long Health Issues

Rotimi Akeredolu, Dies After Long Health Issues

Late Governor Akeredolu

Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has passed away, The Governor died at the age of 67 years 1956 - 2023, this happened on Wednesday morning while he was receiving treatment for protracted prostate cancer.

Akeredolu prolonged health issues contributed to his death.

From our findings, the late governor was a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), ex-president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and ex-Attorney General of Ondo State, was a second-term governor before his death.

Bamidele Ademola Olateju, is the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, announced the governor’s death.

Governor Akeredolu gave up while receiving medical treatment in Germany. He died from the complications caused by protracted prostate cancer.

According to Ademola Olateju a letter has been sent to President Bola Tinubu to inform him of Akeredolu’s death, adding that the family and the state government will release further details regarding the funeral arrangements.

Aketi, as he was fondly called by friends, wore many hats and was acknowledged by many of his contemporaries as a dogged leader with unbending personal convictions. Until his death, he was the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, a body with governors of the 17 states in Southern Nigeria as members. Akeredolu also led his other five colleagues in the South-West as chairman, championing many reforms, especially in the area of security, prominent among which was the establishment of the South-West Security Network codenamed Amotekun.

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He voiced out against the herdsmen attacks on farmers and innocent citizens, and also a bold critics of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, despite belonged to the same ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He went for the jugular of the Federal Government, always siding with the people and holding the Federal Government to account for its core responsibility of protecting the people, especially during an attack on a Catholic church in Owo, his hometown.

Aketi as was known won his re-election as Ondo State governor in October 2020 and was sworn in for a second term in office in February 2021. However, his second term was marred with controversy and a health battle.

He was later flown overseas for medical treatment in June. 

As his health worsened, Akeredolu was under intense pressure from opposition parties and activists to resign or hand over power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in line with the 1999 constitution.

Finally, the governor handed over power to Aiyedatiwa early December when he embarked on another medical leave to Germany, the second in 2023 that he did not survive.

Akeredolu was born on 21st July 1956 in Owo, Ondo State to the Late Rev. J. O Ola Akeredolu of Owo and Lady Evang. Grace Akeredolu of Igbotu Ese Odo Government Area of Ondo State.

His primary school education  started at Government School, Owo, before proceeding to the famous Aquainas College Akure in 1968.

Rotimi Akeredolu

He later proceeded to the prestigious Loyola College, Ibadan in 1969 to complete his secondary school education. He also attended Comprehensive High School Ayetoro for his higher Secondary School Certificate.

Akerdolu was admitted into the University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University in 1974 popularly known as Oba Awon University. He obtained his LLB degree in 1977 and proceeded to the Nigerian Law School for his B.L in 1978.

As a Christian with warm and understanding heart for people of other faiths, Akeredolu distinguished and Spartan career of legal practice, donated his lifetime to a career of mentorship and social service.

He was a member, Oyo State Football association, 1992-1994, an associate Member, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Oyo State Branch. He also accepted and became the Patron, The Nigerian Law Society, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Patron, Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), Patron The law society, Faculty of Law, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko. He was also the Patron, Sports Writers association of Nigeria, Oyo State branch.

Aketi was married to Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and blessed with four children and many grandchildren.

Rest on Mr Governor we love you.