Rotimi Akeredolu’s death has caused consternation in government since his death has left a big void in Nigerian politics. Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, also known by the adopted prefix “Arakunrin” and fondly known as “Aketi,” was a prominent Nigerian lawyer and politician. Born in Owo, Nigeria, on July 21, 1956, he devoted his life to public service as the governor of Ondo State from February 24, 2017, until his death on December 27, 2023. His political career includes serving as the Attorney General of Ondo State from 1997 to 1999. It also demonstrates his dedication to the legal and political scene.
Akeredolu was a notable All Progressives Congress (APC) member who contributed considerably to the growth and development of the party. Akeredolu’s academic experience at Obafemi Awolowo University and Aquinas College Akure established the groundwork for his legal profession and political efforts. His commitment to his art earned him the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) designation, indicating his legal proficiency.
Rotimi Akeredolu’s Cause of Death And Obituary
Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State from February 24, 2017, died on December 27, 2023, after a long battle with illness. The 67-year-old two-term governor, who had been suffering a serious illness, died at 10 p.m. in Germany, where he was undergoing medical care. According to a commissioner in Ondo state, he died in Germany, although a family source maintains he died in Lagos. Despite efforts to send him overseas for treatment, he was cared for by State House physicians until his death.
Akeredolu’s health was an issue, prompting him to return from a three-month medical leave in Germany in September. He recently took another medical vacation after President Bola Tinubu asked him to give over control to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who has been acting as Governor.
Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State, Addresses a Health Concern
Rotimi Akeredolu’s health concerns, which led to his death, were linked to leukemia and prostate cancer. Wale Akinterinwa, the commissioner for finance, verified the link between these ailments and Akeredolu’s death. Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, began his first term as governor on February 24, 2017, and will begin his second term in 2021, despite health issues.
The depth of Akeredolu’s health predicament became clear on July 9, when his wife, Betty, announced the cancellation of festivities scheduled for her 70th birthday celebration. This choice generated questions about throwing a costly party in the midst of her husband’s deteriorating health. In January, SaharaReporters exclusively revealed that Akeredolu was getting leukemia treatment. According to Alagbaka Government House sources, the governor’s leukemia was severely affecting him.
Akeredolu faced a tremendous health struggle when he was diagnosed with leukemia, a kind of blood cancer characterized by an abnormal increase of white blood cells. Akeredolu’s family life was anchored by his 1981 marriage to Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, with whom he produced a son, Babajide A. Akeredolu. His political career includes a failed gubernatorial bid in 2012, which he lost to incumbent Olusegun Mimiko.
He was the state’s attorney general from 1997 to 1999 until becoming governor in 2017. His legacy includes not just his political accomplishments, but also his contributions to the legal profession and his effect on the lives of Ondo State residents. Akeredolu’s death left a vacuum in Nigerian politics and administration, with many who appreciated his public service leadership cherishing his legacy.
