Ondo Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu Dies of Leukemia at 67

Mayowa DurosinmiDecember 27, 20231 Mins read1.1k

Ondo Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu Dies of Leukemia at 67

The Governor of Ondo, now former, is reportedly confirmed dead at the failure of provision for a dialysis machine to be sent to his aid on his deathbed.

Recall that the ailing governor returned to Nigeria in September following his three-month medical leave in Germany. He was reported to be suffering from Leukemia, a cancer of the blood cells. Recently, he went on another leave, raising concerns in Ondo about the governor ruling the State from his deathbed. This led to the planned protest calling for giving power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, or tendering his resignation.

The planned protest, which turned political, was intervened by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, resolving the leadership crisis, leading to the ailing governor relieving himself of the responsibilities of the office of the governor to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

His deputy, Lucky, has since been standing in as acting Governor of Ondo State. Well-wishers and critics have since then taken to social to express their thoughts to the deceased.

Life & Death of Rotimi Akeredolu Rotimi

Born in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria, on July 21, 1956, Rotimi Akeredolu was a well-known politician and attorney in his native country. He led Ondo State as governor from 2017 until his untimely death on December 27, 2023.

In addition to being a longtime member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Akeredolu was also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the past President of the Nigerian Bar Association. In 1977, Akeredolu graduated with a bachelor’s degree in law from the esteemed University of Ife, which is now known as Obafemi Awolowo University.

Following his successful legal career culminating in his appointment as Attorney General of Ondo State from 1997 to 1999, he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978.

On February 24, 2017, Akeredolu took office as the new governor of Ondo State, having been elected in 2017. The unexpected death of Akeredolu on December 27, 2023, from complications stemming from leukaemia shocked and saddened his colleagues and admirers. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, his wife, and their kids survive him.