Full List of All Past Ondo Governors Dead Except Mimiko

The Demise of Rotimi Akeredolu Marks the End of an Epoch for Ondo State

In a sorrowful turn of events, the political landscape of Ondo State has been plunged into mourning with the untimely demise of former governor Rotimi Akeredolu on December 27, 2023. The passing of Akeredolu, attributed to complications from protracted prostate cancer, has not only saddened Ondo citizens but also signified the end of an era for the state’s political stalwarts.

Tributes Pour In for Akeredolu

The outpouring of tributes following Akeredolu’s death reflects the profound impact he had on the political and social fabric of Ondo State. The quantity and quality of the expressions of grief highlight the void left by his departure, resonating with the sentiments of the bereaved citizens and the nation at large.

A Historical Perspective: Past Governors of Ondo State

A somber check by The Nation reveals a striking pattern in the passing of all past democratically-elected governors of Ondo State, leaving only one survivor—Segun Mimiko. The departure of these political figures echoes the timeless words of William Shakespeare, portraying life as a stage where each individual plays their part before taking their leave.

Here is a brief look at the deceased past governors:

1. Michael Ajasin: Serving as the first democratically elected governor of Ondo State from 1979 to 1983, Ajasin passed away in his home at the age of 78 from natural causes.
2. Bamidele Olumilua: Leading the state in the third republic from January 1992 to November 1993, Olumilua succumbed to a brief illness at the age of 80 in 2020.
3. Adebayo Adefarati: An integral part of the first elected governors in the post-military era, Adefarati died at the age of 76 from an undisclosed ailment.
4. Olusegun Agagu: Serving as Ondo’s second democratically elected governor, Agagu tragically slumped and passed away in Lagos in 2013 at the age of 65.
5. Rotimi Akeredolu: The most recent loss to Ondo’s political legacy, Akeredolu, aged 67, succumbed to complications from protracted prostate cancer.
6. Olusegun Mimiko: The sole surviving past governor, Mimiko, served two terms from 2009 to 2017, marking a significant political achievement in Ondo State.

End of an Era, Beginning of Another

The exit of these distinguished leaders signifies the closing of a political chapter in Ondo State while simultaneously opening another.

As the state mourns the loss of Rotimi Akeredolu, the legacy of these past governors remains woven into the fabric of Ondo’s political history, leaving an indelible mark on the trajectory of the state’s governance.