20 things to know about ex-NBA President elected twice as Ondo governor

The Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is dead.

The Ondo State Government has confirmed the death of the governor. The confirmation came several hours after news of his death went viral.

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. He reportedly died at age 67.

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.

Known affectionately as Aketi, Akeredolu had a profound impact on the nation’s political climate. His public life trajectory includes advocacy, legal practice, serving as president of the Nigerian Bar Association, and winning two terms as governor of Ondo State.

Early Life and Education

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.

Personal Life and Family

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.

Significant achievements

17. Security and Advocacy

Aketi 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.

The operatives of a security outfit have been actively supporting the police, other security agencies, and traditional rulers in their efforts to combat various criminal activities in the region. These activities include terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, and kidnapping. Additionally, the operatives have been instrumental in resolving conflicts between herdsmen and farmers in the area.

18. Infrastructure

The dualisation of Oke-Alabojuto Road in Ikare-Akoko, reconstruction of Emure to Owo Road, and various road constructions in different parts of Ondo state. Also, there was notable infrastructural investment and accreditation of previously unaccredited courses at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo.

19. Economy

His administration established the Ondo-Linyil Industrial Hub in Ore. He also promoted agribusiness, subsidies on tractors, land clearing, and various projects to empower farmers and youth.

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