Things you should know about late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu

In a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, the governor gave up the ghost in Germany on Wednesday after battling prostate cancer.

The governor, who has faced criticism for his decision to withhold power from his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, commenced his medical leave in June. The leave was subsequently prolonged based on medical advice.

He formally transferred authority to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and went on another medical vacation on Wednesday, December 13.

Below are few things to know about the late governor.

1. He was born on July 21, 1956, in Owo, Ondo State.
2. He had his Primary education at Government School, Owo; Secondary education at Aquinas College, Akure, and Loyola College, Ibadan.
3. He had his Higher School Certificate at Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro.
4. LLB degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1977.
5. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978.
6. Aketi was a Christian with a Chapel of Epiphany dedicated at his Owo residence.
7. He was born to Reverend J. Ola Akeredolu (father) and Lady Evangelist Grace B. Akeredolu (mother)
8. He was a Chancellor of the Cathedral of St. Andrews Church, Owo.
9. He was married to Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu with four children.
10. Aketi has been the Governor of Ondo State since February 24, 2017.
11. He served as the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Bar Association Ibadan branch from 1985-1986.
12. From 1997 to 1999, Akeredolu was Ondo State’s attorney general. In 1998, he was appointed as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. From 2005 to 2006, he presided over the Legal Aid Council as its chairman.
13. He also served as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association between 2008 and 2009.
14. He was the Vice Chairman of the Ibadan branch of the NBA in 1991 and Chairman from 1992 to 1994.
15. He was a Managing Partner at the law firm of Olujinmi & Akeredolu.
16. He was awarded the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger in October 2022.
17. Security and Advocacy

Aketi as he is fondly called was at the forefront of the establishment of the Regional Security Network, Amotekun, to address security concerns, with plans to recruit more personnel.

On January 9, 2020, the six state governors of Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti in Nigeria jointly established Amotekun.

20. Akeredolu died on December 27, 2023, after reportedly battling prostate cancer for several months.