Few things to know about Governor Akeredolu

Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, was reported dead on Wednesday, December 27, 2023.

It was gathered that Akeredolu died after a long battle with two ailments – leukaemia and prostate cancer – at the age of 67.

Below are a few things to know about the late governor:

Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu was born on July 21, 1956, in Owo, Ondo State, to Late Rev. J. O Ola Akeredolu of Owo and Lady Evang. Grace Akeredolu of Igbotu Ese Odo Government Area of Ondo State.

He started his primary school education at Government School Owo before proceeding to the Aquainas College Akure in 1968.

Aketi as fondly called by friends and admirers later proceeded to Loyola College, Ibadan in 1969 to complete his secondary school education. He also attended Comprehensive High School Ayetoro for his higher secondary school certificate.

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Akeredolu was admitted into the University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, in 1974. He obtained his LLB degree in 1977 and proceeded to the Nigerian Law School for his B.L. in 1978.

He was appointed the Attorney General of Ondo State from 1997 to 1999.

Akeredolu, who became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1998, was a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

He became Ondo State Governor in November 2016 after a failed attempt in 2012. He lost to Dr Olusegun Mimiko, the incumbent governor.

He was declared the winner of the October 2020 governorship election in Ondo State on October 11, 2020, after winning 15 out of 18 local governments, for a second term in office.

Governor Akeredolu has been undergoing treatment for leukaemia since January 2023, and has had a long period of medical absence. On December 12, 2023, in advance of another period of medical leave, Akeredolu signed the notice appointing his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as acting governor of the state.

Akeredolu died on December 27, 2023, at the age of 67.

He was survived by his wife, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, and four children.

The Star