Akeredolu Biography, Cause Of Death, Controversies, Net Worth, Career & More

Early life of Akeredolu

Rotimi Akeredolu was a Nigerian lawyer and politician who is currently the Governor of Ondo State. Born on 21 July 1956 in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria, he studied law at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). He co-founded the law firm Olujinmi and Akeredolu before entering politics and has held various positions including Attorney General of Ondo State, Advocate General of Nigeria and President of the Nigerian Bar Association.

Educational background

Rotimi Akeredolu attended government school in Owo for her primary education before proceeding to Aquinas College, Akure, Loyola College, Ibadan, and Ayetoro Comprehensive Secondary School for her secondary education and senior school certificate respectively. He studied law at the University of Ife and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978.

Political career

In 1997, Akeredolu was appointed Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, where he worked to reform the legal system and strengthen the rule of law. During his tenure, he was instrumental in establishing the Legal Aid Council and the Office of the Public Defender, which provided legal aid to indigent citizens and ensured the protection of people’s rights.

Akeredolu was elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association in 2008, where he continued his advocacy for the protection of human rights and the promotion of the rule of law. He has also worked to improve the welfare of lawyers in Nigeria and strengthen the ethical standards of the legal profession.

In 2012, Akeredolu was awarded the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the highest honor given to legal practitioners in Nigeria. He also served on several committees and bodies, including the Constitutional Review Committee, the Council on National Institutions, and the Presidential Commission on Prison Reform and Prison Overcrowding.

In 2016, Akeredolu contested the Ondo State governorship election and emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He won the elections and was sworn in as governor of Ondo State on February 24, 2017. As governor, Akeredolu implemented various policies and programs aimed at promoting economic growth and development of the state. ‘State.

He also worked to improve the infrastructure, health and education sectors and attract foreign investment to the state. Furthermore, Akeredolu is the Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, a regional organization of governors of six states in the South-West region of Nigeria.

Under his leadership, the Forum worked to promote regional integration, economic development and security in the southwest region. Overall, Akeredolu’s career as a lawyer and public servant has been characterized by a commitment to the rule of law, human rights and the development of Nigeria. He has received numerous awards and certificates of appreciation for his contributions to the legal profession and public service.

On July 21, 2020, his candidacy for Ondo governorship was also announced after the primaries under the APC platform. During his tenure as governor of Ondo State, he also served as Chairman of the South West Governors Forum, a forum of state governors in South West Nigeria.

disagreements

Despite his many achievements, Rotimi Akeredolu has also been involved in some controversies during his career. One of the most prominent controversies was the removal of its Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi in 2020.

Ajay, who had earlier left the APC to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was accused by the state assembly of gross misconduct and disloyalty, leading to his impeachment.

Ajayi’s sacking was widely criticized by the opposition and some civil society groups, who accused Akeredolu of using state institutions to pursue a personal vendetta against his former deputy. Some critics also claimed that the sacking was politically motivated and aimed at strengthening Akeredolu’s grip on power in the state.

Another controversy involving Akeredolu relates to his decision to establish the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, in 2020.

The agency was established as a regional security agency to combat the rising tide of crime and insecurity in the South-Western region of Nigeria. However, the establishment of the agency was respected. However, these allegations were investigated and dismissed by the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Bar Association.

Another controversy is about the bitter relationship between Akeredolu and his deputy, Lucky Ayedatiwa. The crisis escalated as Akeredolu disbanded the media team associated with Aiyedatiwa, hinting that all may not be well between the first and second citizens of the Sunshine State.

The affected aides include: Press Secretary to the Governor, Kenneth Odusola; Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media), Okunega Oladipopo; and Special Assistant to the Governor (Photography) Abayomi Samson Adefolalo.

A statement issued by the governor’s press secretary, Richard Olatunde, said all media aides appointed by Akeredolu and supported in the deputy governor’s office have been removed with immediate effect.

“They are to hand over all government property in their possession to the office of the Acting Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor,” the statement said.

Likewise, the press team attached to the vice governor’s office was also fired. Therefore, all members of the press team will be required to report to their ministries and stations.

Likewise, Akeredolu asked the Ministry of Information and Orientation to provide adequate coverage of the activities of the Deputy Governor’s Office.

Sources in government circles revealed that the couple are at odds over allegations of marital infidelity on Ayedatiwa’s part.

It was also concluded that the move may not have been linked to the fact that Akeredolu became incapacitated days after the governor went to Ibadan to oversee his sick leave.

It may be recalled that the Rajya Sabha had sent an impeachment notice to the lieutenant governor for alleged serious misconduct.

The deputy governor then appealed his dismissal in court.

The prolonged absence of Governor Akeredolu since his return from medical leave abroad has also increased tensions in the state.

to intervene

Before Akeredolu’s death, President Bola Tinubu had ordered him to hand over power to his deputy, Lucky Ayadattiwa.

However, as the ailing governor was unable to sign any document, power was transferred through electronic signature (e-signature).

Tinubu told those present at a meeting organized to resolve the leadership crisis in Ondo that Akeredolu was incapacitated and could no longer sign the letter.

President Tinubu has summoned the Deputy Governor of the state, Idatewa, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Olamide Oladeji, for an emergency meeting at Aso Villa, Abuja.

Sources said Tinubu ordered that the deputy governor be allowed to perform the duties of governor to resolve the leadership crisis in the state.

private life

Rotimi Akeredolu is married to Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, a breast cancer survivor and breast cancer awareness activist. They have four children.

Akeredolu Net Worth

Rotimi Akeredolu has an estimated net worth of over $5 million.

His death

On December 27, 2023, the government. Akeredolu died after a long battle with leukemia. He was 67 years old.