Twelve things you probably don’t know about late Ondo governor, Rotimi Akeredolu

Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the 67-year-old governor of Ondo State, passed away in Lagos on Wednesday, December 27, following a protracted fight with leukemia.

Based on available information, the doctors in the state house cared for him until his death as they were unable to transport him overseas.

This occurs just two weeks after Akeredolu requested that his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, fill in as governor in lieu of him when he went on medical leave.

Recall that Oluwarotimi Akeredolu had returned to Nigeria in September following a three-month medical leave in Germany.

Here are 12 you probably don’t know about late Ondo Governor Akeredolu

1. On July 21, 1956, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu CON SAN was born in Owo, Ondo State. His parents are Reverend J. Ola Akeredolu from the Akeredolu family and Lady Evangelist Grace B. Akeredolu from the Aderoyiju family of Igbotu, Ese Odo.

2. Akeredolu commenced his elementary schooling at an Owo government school. He continued his secondary education and Higher School Certificate at Aquinas College, Akure; Loyola College, Ibadan; and a comprehensive high school, Ayetoro. His legal studies at the University of Ife (now known as Obafemi Awolowo University) culminated in his 1977 graduation.

3. He was a Nigerian lawyer and politician.

4. He assumed office as Ondo governor on February 24, 2017.

5. He reportedly died of leukemia.

6. His adopted prefix is “Arakunrin”, while his nickname is “Aketi”.

7. He is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who became president of the Nigerian Bar Association in 2008.

8. Akeredolu was also a Managing Partner at the law firm of Olujinmi & Akeredolu, which he co-founded with Chief Akin Olujinmi, a former Attorney General and Minister for Justice of Nigeria.

9. He was referred to as the Nigerian Bar 1978.

10. Akeredolu was appointed Attorney General of Ondo State from 1997 to 1999.

11. In 1998, he became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He was Chairman of the Legal Aid Council (2005–2006).

12. In November 2009, he faced allegations of corruption when the Bar Association’s third Vice-President, Welfare Secretary, and Assistant Financial Secretary circulated a petition entitled “Complaints against your fraudulent manifestations, violation of the NBA”. Subsequently, the allegations against him were reviewed and dropped by the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Bar Association.