Ondo State is plunged into mourning as the Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, affectionately known as “Aketi,” has passed away. The Ondo State Government officially confirmed the Governor’s death, revealing that he succumbed to prostate cancer in Germany on Wednesday at the age of 67.
The announcement, made by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, followed hours of widespread speculation about the Governor’s health.
Governor Akeredolu had been on a medical leave since June, drawing criticism for his decision to retain power rather than transferring it to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Despite formally handing over authority to Aiyedatiwa, the Governor extended his medical vacation on December 13, 2023.
Key Points About Governor Akeredolu’s Life:
Early Life and Education:
- Born on July 21, 1956, in Owo, Ondo State.
- Primary education at Government School, Owo; Secondary education at Aquinas College, Akure, and Loyola College, Ibadan.
- Higher School Certificate at Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro.
- LLB degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1977.
- Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978.
Personal Life and Family: 6. A Christian with a Chapel of Epiphany dedicated at his Owo residence.
- Born to Reverend J. Ola Akeredolu (father) and Lady Evangelist Grace B. Akeredolu (mother).
- Chancellor of the Cathedral of St. Andrews Church, Owo.
- Married to Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu with four children.
Political and Professional Career: 10. Governor of Ondo State since February 24, 2017.
- Secretary-General of the Nigerian Bar Association Ibadan branch (1985-1986).
- Ondo State’s attorney general (1997-1999), Senior Advocate of Nigeria (1998).
- President of the Nigerian Bar Association (2008-2009).
- Vice Chairman of the Ibadan branch of the NBA (1991) and Chairman (1992-1994).
- Managing Partner at the law firm of Olujinmi & Akeredolu.
- Awarded the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger in October 2022.
Significant Achievements: 17. Security and Advocacy: Pioneered the establishment of the Regional Security Network, Amotekun, addressing security concerns and actively supporting law enforcement efforts.
- Infrastructure: Led significant infrastructure projects, including the dualisation of Oke-Alabojuto Road and reconstruction of Emure to Owo Road.
- Economy: Established the Ondo-Linyil Industrial Hub in Ore, promoted agribusiness, and initiated projects empowering farmers and youth.
20. Governor Akeredolu’s battle with prostate cancer concluded tragically on December 27, 2023, marking the end of a remarkable era in Ondo State’s history.