BREAKING: Ondo Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, is dead

Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), is dead.

The governor was aged 67.

He died at a Lagos hospital on Wednesday.

“Aketi is gone. He died in Germany on Wednesday morning after a prolonged illness,” a source told The Star.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, and four children.

The governor has been battling with his health for months.

Sources said that Akeredolu died as a result of two ailments: leukaemia and prostate cancer.

Akeredolu returned to Nigeria in September after a three-month medical leave in Germany.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government said Akeredolu died from complications arising from prostate cancer.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, on Wednesday.

The statement read: “With a heavy heart, the Ondo State Government announces the tragic passing of our beloved Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.

“Mr Governor peacefully departed from this world in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 27, 2023. This tragedy has left behind a profound void in our hearts.

“Governor Akeredolu answered the eternal call while receiving medical treatment in Germany.

“He succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer.”

The governor’s deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on December 13 became acting governor after the intervention by President Bola Tinubu.

Aiyedatiwa survived impeachment before the political intervention.

Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

Akeredolu became Ondo governor in 2016 after a failed attempt in 2012. He lost to Dr Seun Mimiko, the incumbent governor.

The Star