Akeredolu Biography, Cause Of Death, Controversies, Net Worth, Career & More

Today, December 27, 2023, Nigerians woke up to the news of the demise of the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu. This piece delves into the life, career, and untimely passing of Akeredolu, tracing his journey from vibrant stages to the somber announcement.

Akeredolu’ Early Life

Rotimi Akeredolu was a Nigerian lawyer and politician currently serving as the Governor of Ondo State. He was born on July 21, 1956, in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria, and studied law at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). He co-founded the law firm of Olujinmi & Akeredolu before entering politics and has held various positions including Attorney General of Ondo State, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and President of the Nigerian Bar Association.

Education Background

Rotimi Akeredolu attended a government school in Owo for his primary education before proceeding to Aquinas College, Akure, Loyola College, Ibadan, and Ayetoro Comprehensive High School for his secondary education and Higher School Certificate, respectively. He studied law at the University of Ife and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978.

Political Career

In 1997, Akeredolu was appointed as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, where he worked to reform the legal system and promote the rule of law. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the establishment of the Legal Aid Council and the Office of the Public Defender, which provided legal assistance to indigent citizens and ensured that the rights of the people were protected.

Akeredolu was elected as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association in 2008, where he continued his advocacy for the protection of human rights and the promotion of the rule of law. He also worked to improve the welfare of lawyers in Nigeria and promote the ethical standards of the legal profession.

In 2012, Akeredolu was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), which is the highest recognition given to legal practitioners in Nigeria. He has also served as a member of various committees and panels, including the Constitution Review Committee, the National Council on Establishment, and the Presidential Committee on Prison Reform and Decongestion.

In 2016, Akeredolu contested the gubernatorial election in Ondo State and emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He went on to win the election and was sworn in as the Governor of Ondo State on February 24, 2017. As the governor, Akeredolu has implemented various policies and programs aimed at promoting economic growth and development in the state.

He has also worked to improve the infrastructure, healthcare, and education sectors, and has attracted foreign investment to the state. In addition, Akeredolu is the Chairman of the Southwest Governors Forum, a regional organization comprising the governors of the six states in the Southwest region of Nigeria.

Under his leadership, the Forum has worked to promote regional integration, economic development, and security in the Southwest region. Overall, Akeredolu’s career as a lawyer and public servant has been characterized by a commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and the development of Nigeria. He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the legal profession and public service.

On 21 July 2020, he was also declared as the Ondo governorship candidate after the primary elections under the platform of the APC. During his time as the governor of Ondo State, he also doubled as the chairman of Southwest Governors’ Forum, a forum consisting of governors of the Southwest Nigerian states.

Controversies

Despite his many accomplishments, Rotimi Akeredolu has also been embroiled in some controversies during his career. One of the most notable controversies was the impeachment of his deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi, in 2020.

Ajayi, who had previously defected from the APC to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), was accused of gross misconduct and disloyalty by the state House of Assembly, which led to his removal from office.

The impeachment of Ajayi was widely criticized by the opposition and some civil society groups, who accused Akeredolu of using state institutions to pursue a personal vendetta against his former deputy. Some critics also alleged that the impeachment was politically motivated and aimed at consolidating Akeredolu’s hold on power in the state.

Another controversy involving Akeredolu was his decision to establish the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, in 2020.

The agency was created as a regional security outfit to combat the rising spate of crime and insecurity in the Southwest region of Nigeria. However, the establishment of the agency was met. However, these allegations were reviewed and dropped by the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Bar Association.

Another controversy is sour relationship between Akeredolu and his deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Crisis brew when Akeredolu, disbanded the media crew attached to Aiyedatiwa, giving an indication that all may not be well between numbers one and two citizens of the sunshine state.

The affected aides include: Press Secretary to the Governor, Kenneth Odusola; Special Assistant to Governor (New Media) Okunniga Oladipupo; and Special Assistant to the Governor (Photography) Abayomi Samson Adefolalu.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, noted that all media aides appointed by Akeredolu and seconded to the office of the deputy Governor, have been relieved of their appointments with immediate effect.

According to the release: “They are to submit all government properties in their possession to the Acting Permanent Secretary, Office of the deputy Governor.

Similarly, the Press Crew attached to the office of the deputy governor has been disbanded. Consequently, all members of the Press Crew are to report back to their various ministries and stations”.

Equally, Akeredolu directed the Ministry of Information and Orientation to provide adequate coverage for the activities of the deputy governor’s office henceforth.

Sources in government circle revealed that the duo are at loggerheads over an alleged betrayal of trust on the part of Aiyedatiwa.

It was also gathered that the move may not be unconnected with the fact that Akeredolu became incapacitated few days after the governor travelled to Ibadan to observe his medical leave.

Recall that the state assembly had served the deputy governor an impeachment notice following alleged gross misconduct.

The deputy governor subsequently challenged his impeachment in court.

Also, the continued absence of Governor Akeredolu after his return from medical vacation abroad has further heightened tensions in the state.

Intervention

Before the death of Akeredolu, President Bola Tinubu had directed him to transfer power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

However, the transfer of power was done by electronic signature (e-signature) as the ailing governor is too weak to sign any document.

Tinubu reportedly told people at the meeting he had summoned to resolve the leadership crisis in Ondo that Akeredolu was incapacitated and could not sign a letter anymore.

President Tinubu had summoned the state deputy governor, Aiyedatiwa and House of Assembly Speaker, Olamide Oladiji to Aso Villa in Abuja for an urgent meeting.

Sources said that Tinubu had directed the deputy governor should be allowed to act as governor, to resolve the leadership crisis in the state.

Personal Life

Rotimi Akeredolu is married to Betty Anyanwu- Akeredolu, a breast cancer survivor and advocate for breast cancer awareness. They have four children together.

Akeredolu Net Worth

Rotimi Akeredolu is estimated to be worth over $5 Million.

Death

On 27 December 2023, Gov. Akeredolu died after a prolonged battle with leukemia. He was 67 years old.