The Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is dead.
The governor’s passing has been verified by the Ondo State government. The confirmation was made a few hours after his death became widely publicized.
The state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, released a statement stating that the governor passed away in Germany on Wednesday following a battle with prostate cancer. He allegedly passed away at age 67.
The governor started his medical leave in June. He has come under fire for his choice to deny his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, authority. After that, the leave was extended in accordance with medical recommendations.
On Wednesday, December 13, he formally delegated control to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and left for yet another sick leave.
Akeredolu, also lovingly referred to as Aketi, had a significant influence on the political landscape of the country. His history in public life encompasses activism, practicing law, being president of the Nigerian Bar Association, and being elected to two terms as the governor of Ondo State.
PUNCH Online describes the key occasions that have influenced his political and career trajectory in this piece.
Early Life and Education
1. He was born on July 21, 1956, in Owo, Ondo State.
2. He had his Primary education at Government School, Owo; Secondary education at Aquinas College, Akure, and Loyola College, Ibadan.
3. He had his Higher School Certificate at Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro.
4. LLB degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1977.
5. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978.
6. Aketi was a Christian with a Chapel of Epiphany dedicated at his Owo residence.
7. He was born to Reverend J. Ola Akeredolu (father) and Lady Evangelist Grace B. Akeredolu (mother)
8. He was a Chancellor of the Cathedral of St. Andrews Church, Owo.
9. He was married to Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu with four children.
10. Aketi has been the Governor of Ondo State since February 24, 2017.
11. He served as the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Bar Association Ibadan branch from 1985-1986.
12. From 1997 to 1999, Akeredolu was Ondo State’s attorney general. In 1998, he was appointed as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. From 2005 to 2006, he presided over the Legal Aid Council as its chairman.
13. He also served as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association between 2008 and 2009.
14. He was the Vice Chairman of the Ibadan branch of the NBA in 1991 and Chairman from 1992 to 1994.
15. He was a Managing Partner at the law firm of Olujinmi & Akeredolu.
16. He was awarded the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger in October 2022.
