Photo Credit:Fij.ng
Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, the former Governor of Ondo State, passed away at the age of 67 after battling prostrate cancer and leukemia. Beyond the political arena, Akeredolu left a lasting impact as a key figure in the creation of the state-backed Amotekun vigilante group.
Born on July 21, 1956, in the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State to Reverend Ola and Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu, Akeredolu’s early years were shaped by a foundation in education. He attended government-run primary and secondary schools, including Loyola College in Ibadan, Oyo State, before graduating with a law degree from the University of Ife in 1977.
Akeredolu, called to the Nigerian bar in 1978, ventured into private practice and co-founded the law firm Olujinmi & Akeredolu with former Minister of Justice Akin Olujinmi. His legal career reached its pinnacle when he became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1998 and served as the Attorney General of Ondo State from 1997 to 1999.
Leading the Legal Aid Council from 2005 to 2006 and later becoming the president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in 2008, Akeredolu faced allegations of corruption during his tenure. Despite the controversies, he weathered the storm and continued his journey into politics.
In 2011, Akeredolu contested for the Ondo State governorship under the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) banner but lost to the incumbent Governor Olusegun Mimiko. Undeterred, he persisted and, in 2016, emerged victorious as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, securing re-election in 2020.
Akeredolu’s governance aimed to address various sectors, emphasizing an agricultural revolution, education improvement, and economic development. However, challenges arose, notably in the realm of insecurity. In response, Akeredolu championed the establishment of Amotekun in 2020, a regional security network, despite opposition from the federal government.
While Ondo State thrived economically, especially in agriculture, Akeredolu faced a severe test in 2022 when terrorists attacked his hometown, Owo, killing 40 worshippers in a church. Undeterred, he remained resolute in the fight against insecurity.
Throughout his tenure, Akeredolu encountered disagreements with his deputies, including a power tussle with his second deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Despite health challenges, he briefly returned to office in September 2023 before officially handing over executive powers and proceeding on a second medical leave.
Akeredolu’s commitment to public service earned him the Nigerian national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in October 2022. However, his health struggles prompted criticism, raising questions about healthcare infrastructure in the state.
Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu’s journey reflects a life dedicated to leadership, navigating challenges, and leaving behind a legacy that extends beyond political boundaries. As he rests, his contributions to Ondo State and the Amotekun initiative will be remembered as integral chapters in the state’s history.”
Credit: Fij.ng
