The body of the late former governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has been repatriated to Nigeria. Akeredolu, who served as the governor of Ondo State, passed away on December 27, 2023, after battling prostate cancer.
His death has led to an outpouring of tributes from various political figures and dignitaries.
Akeredolu, born on July 21, 1956, had a distinguished career as a lawyer and politician, having also served as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association and the Attorney General of Ondo State.
His legacy of service and leadership has been widely acknowledged and honored. The late governor's passing has been confirmed by the Ondo State Government, with the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, then, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, issuing a statement to formally announce his death.
Akeredolu's contributions to the legal profession and democratic governance have been recognized, and his loss has been described as a significant one for Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole.
Akeredolu's death has left a profound impact, and his memory will endure as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations
The body of former governor arrived at the private wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport on Friday, January 6, 2024, and was received by the widow, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and other family members.
It was flown from Germany where the former governor had gone to get medical attention.
According to close sources, he will be embalmed at a private morgue ahead of the funeral expected to be in the second week of February.
Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), died on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, exactly three weeks after leaving for Germany on medical vacation.
He had transmitted power to his deputy Lucky Aiyedatiwa who has since been sworn in as governor of Ondo State.
Health Battle & Controversy
Aketi won his re-election as Ondo State governor in October 2020 and was sworn in for a second term in office in February 2021. However, his second term was marred with controversy and a health battle.
The governor had to be flown abroad for treatment for his medical condition in June. He had returned to Nigeria in September after months overseas but stayed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
As his health worsened, Akeredolu was under intense pressure from opposition parties and activists to resign or hand over power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in line with the 1999 constitution.
Also, the governor’s loyalists in the state House of Assembly were at loggerheads with Aiyedatiwa attracting President Bola
Tinubu’s intervention.
Eventually, the governor transmitted power to Aiyedatiwa early December when he embarked on another medical leave to Germany, the second in 2023.
Life and Family
A devoted Christian with a warm and accommodating heart for people of other faiths, Akeredolu, in addition to a distinguished and Spartan career of legal practice, also donated his lifetime to a career of mentorship and social service.
He was a member, Oyo State Football Association, 1992-1994; an associate Member, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Oyo State Branch. He also accepted and became patron, The Nigerian Law Society, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos; patron, Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), Patron, The Law Society, Faculty of Law, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko.
He was also the Patron, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State branch.
Aketi was married to Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and blessed with four children and many grandchildren.
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