Nigerians Mourn the Loss of Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Nigerians are mourning the untimely demise of its esteemed Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who passed away on Wednesday, December 27, in Lagos. The late governor, aged 67, had been under the care of State House doctors until his unfortunate demise.
Akeredolu’s Son Appeals to Tinubu for Air Ambulance to Return Ailing Father to Germany as Ondo State Governor Loses Ability to Speak
Reports indicate that efforts to fly Ondo State Governor Akeredolu abroad for medical treatment were hampered, leading to his management by State House doctors. A commissioner in Ondo State, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the governor’s passing.
Rotimi Akeredolu Biography: Cause of death, Career Facts of the Late Ondo State Governor
Ondo State Governor Akeredolu had returned to Nigeria in September after a three-month medical leave in Germany. On December 13, he embarked on another medical leave, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to hand over power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Here are 27 key facts shedding light on the life and career of the late Governor Akeredolu:
1. Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu was born on July 21, 1956, in Owo, Ondo State, to Reverend J. Ola Akeredolu and Lady Evangelist Grace B. Akeredolu.
2. Akeredolu’s educational journey started at a government school in Owo, and he later attended Aquinas College, Akure, Loyola College, Ibadan, and Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro.
3. His middle name, Odunayo, translates to “Year of happiness” in Yoruba.
4. Akeredolu pursued a law degree at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), graduating in 1977.
5. A distinguished Nigerian lawyer and politician, he became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and served as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association in 2008.
6. Ondo State Governor Akeredolu assumed office as Ondo governor on February 24, 2017.
7. Sadly, he succumbed to leukemia, marking the end of a remarkable era in Ondo State’s leadership.
8. His adopted prefix was “Arakunrin,” and he was affectionately called “Aketi.”
9. Akeredolu co-founded the law firm of Olujinmi & Akeredolu, where he served as Managing Partner alongside Chief Akin Olujinmi, a former Attorney General and Minister for Justice of Nigeria.
10. As the chairman of Southwest Governors, he played a pivotal role in regional governance.
11. Appointed Attorney General of Ondo State from 1997 to 1999, he later became Chairman of the Legal Aid Council (2005–2006).
12. In November 2009, allegations of corruption were leveled against Akeredolu, but they were subsequently reviewed and dropped by the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Bar Association.
13. In 2012, he became the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate for governor of Ondo State, ultimately winning the election in 2016.
14. Akeredolu promised to create 30,000 jobs in his first 100 days in office, resulting in a flood of over 10,000 CVs to his campaign office.
15. He secured the APC ticket for the 2016 elections and emerged victorious with 244,842 votes.
16. Sworn in as the governor of Ondo State on February 24, 2017, he began a tenure marked by significant achievements.
17. Akeredolu declared his candidacy for a second term and won the 2020 Ondo State gubernatorial election, defeating PDP’s Eyitayo Jegede and ZLP’s Agboola Ajayi.
Rotimi Akeredolu Biography: Cause of death, Career Facts of the Late Ondo State Governor
18. Akeredolu’s victory in the 2020 election solidified his position as a prominent political figure, having triumphed over formidable opponents and securing a second term in office.
19. Throughout his tenure, Ondo State Governor Akeredolu focused on key areas such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and job creation, leaving a lasting impact on the state’s progress.
20. Despite facing challenges, Akeredolu’s administration implemented policies aimed at fostering economic growth and improving the overall well-being of the people of Ondo State.
21. The late governor’s commitment to the welfare of his constituents extended beyond politics, evident in his active involvement in various social and religious initiatives.
22. Governor Akeredolu’s battle with leukemia in his final days underscores the fragility of life, reminding us all of the importance of health awareness and access to quality medical care.
23. Ondo State and the nation at large mourn the loss of a leader who dedicated his life to public service, leaving an indelible mark on the political landscape.
24. As the news of Governor Akeredolu’s passing reverberates through the country, tributes pour in from political colleagues, associates, and citizens, highlighting the impact he made during his time in office.
25. The legacy of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu will undoubtedly be remembered as one of resilience, determination, and a genuine commitment to the betterment of Ondo State.
26. Plans for the late governor’s funeral and tributes are underway, as the people of Ondo State gather to honor and celebrate the life of a leader who left an enduring imprint on the state’s history.
27. In this moment of grief, Ondo State unites in remembrance, reflecting on the many facets of Governor Akeredolu’s impactful life and the legacy he leaves behind.
The late Ondo State Governor Akeredolu leaves behind a legacy of leadership, legal excellence, and public service. The people of Ondo State are left in mourning as they reflect on the impactful contributions of a leader gone too soon.
