AKURE, Nigeria – Rotimi Akeredolu, the Governor of Ondo State, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, December 27, 2023. He was 67.
Mr. Akeredolu’s death occurred around 2 a.m., with family sources revealing that he died in Lagos, Nigeria. Some news sources report he died in a German hospital.
Wale Akinterinwa, Ondo State’s Commissioner for Finance and a close associate of the governor, confirmed the tragic news. “It is true”, he stated solemnly.
The governor’s passing was attributed to leukemia, a battle he had been facing alongside prostate cancer. These illnesses had rendered him incapacitated for several months, casting a shadow over his vibrant political and legal career.
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and wife, Betty pictured at a social event in 2020.
Rotimi Akeredolu was a notable figure, holding the titles of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and former Attorney General of Ondo State. He was serving his second term as governor at the time of his death.
His deteriorating health had led to him being flown abroad for treatment in June. He returned to Nigeria in September but stayed in Ibadan, where he owns a home and from where he contested for the governorship in 2016, due to ongoing health concerns.
As his condition worsened, pressure mounted from opposition parties and activists for Akeredolu to resign or delegate his duties to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in accordance with the 1999 constitution.
This pressure intensified within the state’s political circles, even drawing the attention of President Bola Tinubu.
In early December, Akeredolu transmitted power to Aiyedatiwa before embarking on another medical leave to Germany, marking his second overseas treatment in 2023.
Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State
Chief Rotimi Akeredolu (r) the Ondo governor elect meets with Ondo Governor Olusegun Mimiko at the Government House in Akure on Wed, December 14, 2016
Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN
Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, (l) the Ondo governor elect meets with Ondo Governor Olusegun Mimiko at the Government House in Akure on Wed, December 14, 2016
President Buhari and Ondo APC Gubernatorial Candidate Rotimi Akeredolu wave on the stage during the APC Grand Finale Gubernatorial Campaign Rally in Akure on 19th Nov 2016 | State House Photo
Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State (L) handing over to the Governor-Elect, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu in Akure on Thursday (23/2/17) | Timothy Adeogodiran/NAN
Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo
Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo
Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State speaking during the visit of a team of Federal Government delegation on Agricultural And Industrial development to T state led by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Usani to his office on Monday, July 17, 2017
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State speaking during the visit of a team of Federal Government delegation on Agricultural And Industrial development to T state led by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Usani to his office on Monday, July 17, 2017
Rotimi Akeredolu, Ajimobi and Aregbesola at a meeting of the acting president with the governors on national unity on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 | Sunday Aghaeze/NAN
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State arrives the burial ceremony for Senator Adeleke in Ede, April 24, 2017
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State
Remi Tinubu points at Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo and “orders him to leave the front row” at the Colloquium celebrating her husband’s birthday in Lagos on March 29, 2017 |
Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the first lady of Ondo State
Mrs. Betty Akeredolu, the first lady of Ondo State
Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi in a group picture with Governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Benedict Alabi (Osun Dep Governor)
Governors who attended the meeting were Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo); Godwin Obaseki (Edo); Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom); Nyesom Wike (Rivers)
INEC Presents Certificate Of Returns To Governor Rotimi Akeredolu And His Deputy.
President Buhari receives in audience Ondo State Governor H.E. Rotimi Akeredolu in State House on 27th Jan 2021
Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State
Governor Akeredolu and his running mate, Lucky Ayedatiwa
Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State
Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State
Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State hosts APC governors; Governor Babajide Sanwoolu of Lagos state, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti and Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State
Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State, spotted with his wife Betty Akeredolu
Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State
Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State performs his first official duties after his return from Medical leave
Rotimi Akeredolu, the Governor of Ondo State (2023 – 1956)
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and wife, Betty pictured at a social event in 2020.
The Making Of An Outspoken Lawyer, Politician
Born on July 21, 1956, in Owo, Ondo State, Akeredolu, affectionately known as Aketi, began his journey in education at Government School, Owo.
He later attended Aquinas College, Akure, and Loyola College, Ibadan, for his secondary education, before completing his higher studies at Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro.
Akeredolu’s academic prowess led him to the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, where he earned his LLB degree in 1977 and subsequently completed his B.L at the Nigerian Law School in 1978.
His student days were marked by a commitment to leadership, social justice, and the fight against inequality and corruption. He was a key figure in student union activities, advocating for robust debates and constructive engagements.
Akeredolu is survived by his wife, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, their four children, and numerous grandchildren.
