- Akeredolu, Renowned Lawyer and Politician, Succumbs to Leukemia After Prolonged Health Battle.
The Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, aged 67, passed away on Wednesday morning while undergoing treatment for leukemia. The sad news was confirmed by a top government source.
Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of
Nigeria (SAN), former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and
ex-Attorney General of Ondo State, was serving his second term as governor
before his demise.
Known fondly as "Aketi," he chaired the Southern Governors' Forum, overseeing 17 states in Southern Nigeria, and led his fellow South-West governors, advocating significant reforms, especially in the realm of security, including the establishment of the South-West Security Network, codenamed Amotekun.
Aketi, recognized for his
unwavering convictions, fearlessly stood against injustice and oppression. He
was vocal against herdsmen attacks on farmers and a critic of the
administration of then President Muhammadu Buhari, despite their shared party
affiliation in the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Although Akeredolu secured
re-election in October 2020, his second term was marked by health challenges.
Despite winning his battle for re-election, controversies ensued as health concerns
forced him to seek medical treatment abroad. He returned to Nigeria in
September but stayed in Ibadan, Oyo State, as his health continued to
deteriorate.
Under pressure from opposition
parties and activists, Akeredolu faced calls to resign or hand over power to
his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Tensions escalated within the state House of
Assembly, prompting intervention from President Bola Tinubu.
Akeredolu eventually
transferred power to Aiyedatiwa in early December before embarking on another
medical leave to Germany, marking his second in 2023.
Born on July 21, 1956, in Owo,
Ondo State, Akeredolu began his educational journey at Government School, Owo,
and later attended Aquinas College, Akure, and Loyola College, Ibadan. He
furthered his studies at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo
University), obtaining an LLB degree in 1977 and a B.L from the Nigerian Law
School in 1978.
Akeredolu's leadership
qualities emerged during his tenure as Vice President of the Student Union at
the University of Ife. He advocated for issues, robust debates, and
constructive engagements, fostering mass consciousness against inequality,
injustice, corruption, arbitrariness, and recklessness.
Beyond his distinguished legal career, Akeredolu devoted himself to mentorship and social service. A devout Christian with an inclusive spirit, he actively participated in various associations, including the Oyo State Football Association, Nigerian Red Cross Society, and the Nigerian Law Society.
As the state mourns the loss of
its leader, Akeredolu leaves behind a legacy of fearless advocacy, devotion to
public service, and a commitment to justice and equality.
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