The death of Rotimi Akeredolu has caused consternation in the government as his death has left a great void in Nigerian politics. Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, also known by his adopted prefix “Arakunrin” and fondly known as “Aketi”, was a prominent Nigerian lawyer and politician. Born in Owo, Nigeria on July 21, 1956, he dedicated 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 shows his commitment to the legal and political scene.
Akeredolu was a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who contributed significantly to the growth and development of the party. Akeredolu’s academic experience at Obafemi Awolowo University and Aquinas College Akure laid the foundations for his legal profession and political endeavours. His dedication to his art earned him the designation of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), indicating his legal expertise.
Cause of death and obituary of Rotima Akeredolu
Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State since February 24, 2017, died on December 27, 2023 after a long battle with illness. The 67-year-old two-term governor, who was suffering from a serious illness, died at 10 pm in Germany, where he was under medical care. According to the Commissioner in Ondo State, he died in Germany, although a family source claims he died in Lagos. Despite efforts to send him abroad for treatment, he was cared for by State House doctors until his death.
Akeredolu’s health has been an issue, forcing him to return from a three-month medical leave in Germany in September. He recently took another medical leave after President Bola Tinubu asked him to hand over control to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was serving as governor.
Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State, addresses the health concern
Rotimi Akeredolu’s health problems, which led to his death, were related to leukemia and prostate cancer. Wale Akinterinwa, the Commissioner for Finance, confirmed the link between these illnesses and Akeredolu’s death. Akeredolu, a senior lawyer of Nigeria, began his first term as governor on February 24, 2017 and will begin his second term in 2021, despite health problems.
The depth of Akeredolu’s health woes became clear on July 9, when his wife Betty announced the cancellation of festivities planned to celebrate her 70th birthday. That choice raised questions about throwing an expensive party amid her husband’s declining health. In January, SaharaReporters exclusively revealed that Akeredolu was undergoing treatment for leukemia. According to sources in the Alagbaka Government House, leukemia was seriously affecting the governor.
Akeredolu faced a major health battle when he was diagnosed with leukemia, a type of blood cancer characterized by an abnormal increase in white blood cells. Akeredolu’s family life was anchored by his marriage to Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu in 1981, with whom he had a son, Babajide A. Akeredolu. His political career includes a failed governorship bid in 2012, which he lost to incumbent Olusegun Mimiko.
He was the Attorney General from 1997 to 1999 until he became governor in 2017. His legacy includes not only his political achievements but also his contribution to the legal profession and his impact on the lives of the people of Ondo State. Akeredolu’s death left a vacuum in Nigerian politics and administration, and many who appreciated his leadership in public service cherish his legacy.
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Source: vcmp.edu.vn