Rotimi Akeredolu
Name: Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu
Born: July 21, 1956, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria
Died: December 27, 2023, Germany
Occupation: Lawyer, Politician
Political Affiliation: All Progressives Congress (APC)
Spouse: Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu
Children: Four
Rotimi Akeredolu was born into a devout Christian family in Owo, Ondo State. He attended Government Primary School in Owo, followed by secondary education at Aquinas College, Akure; Loyola College, Ibadan; and Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro. He got his law degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1977 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978.
Legal and Political Career
Legal Practice: Akeredolu began his legal career at GM Ibru & Co. He co-founded the law firm Olujinmi & Akeredolu with Chief Akin Olujinmi, a former Attorney General of Nigeria.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN): In 1998, he was conferred with the title of SAN, recognizing his contributions to the legal profession.
President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA): He served as NBA President from 2008 to 2010, during which he advocated for judicial reforms and the rule of law.
Governor of Ondo State (2017 - 2023): Elected in 2016 under the APC, Akeredolu was re-elected in 2020. His administration focused on infrastructure development, education, and healthcare.
Legacy and Impact
Akeredolu was known for his forthrightness and commitment to justice. He was a vocal advocate for state policing and played a pivotal role in establishing the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, to address security challenges in the Southwest.
Illness and Death
In 2023, Akeredolu was diagnosed with prostate cancer and leukemia. After a three-month medical leave in Germany, he returned to Nigeria but later passed away on December 27, 2023, in Germany.
