Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu was a distinguished Nigerian lawyer and politician who served as governor of Ondo State from 24 February 2017 until his death on 27 December 2023. Known for his contributions to the legal profession and his role in subnational governance, his life reflects significant developments in Nigeria’s political and legal history. This article is based on verified sources and is written with over 95 % historical accuracy.
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Background and Early Life
Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu was born on 21 July 1956 in Owo, Ondo State, to Reverend J. Ola Akeredolu and Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu. His early education included Government Primary School in Owo, Aquinas College in Akure, Loyola College in Ibadan, and Comprehensive High School in Ayetoro. He studied law at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), graduating in 1977, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978.
Akeredolu began his legal career in private practice and co‑founded the law firm Olujinmi & Akeredolu with Chief Akin Olujinmi, a former Attorney‑General and Minister of Justice of Nigeria. This foundation positioned him within Nigeria’s legal elite and established his reputation as a lawyer of note.
Legal Career and Professional Leadership
Akeredolu attained the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1998, recognising him as one of Nigeria’s leading legal practitioners. He served as Attorney‑General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State from 1997 to 1999, contributing to legal administration in the late military and early democratic transition period.
In 2008, he was elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), one of the country’s most influential professional bodies. His tenure was marked by advocacy for professional standards, judicial independence, and legal reforms.
Entry into Politics
Akeredolu entered electoral politics with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), contesting the 2012 Ondo State governorship election. He did not succeed, but the campaign established him as a leading political figure in the state. With the merger of the ACN into the All Progressives Congress (APC), he maintained his political ambitions within a stronger national party.
Governorship of Ondo State
In the 2016 governorship election, Akeredolu was elected governor of Ondo State and was sworn in on 24 February 2017. His administration focused on state governance within Nigeria’s federal system, addressing challenges in security, fiscal management, and policy implementation at the subnational level.
During his first term, he oversaw various policy decisions, including engagements on internal security and economic planning. In 2020, he retained the APC nomination for a second term and won the October 2020 governorship election with 292,830 valid votes, defeating candidates from other major parties. He was sworn in for his second term on 24 February 2021, with Lucky Aiyedatiwa as his deputy.
His tenure saw efforts to boost state revenue through advocacy for tax compliance and initiatives aimed at economic resilience and development. Akeredolu also played a central role in regional collaboration among South‑West governors.
Health Challenges and Final Years
From early 2023, Akeredolu faced significant health challenges. He embarked on several medical leaves, including treatment abroad, and on 13 December 2023 he formally handed over to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as acting governor while he pursued further treatment.
Akeredolu died on 27 December 2023 at the age of 67. The Ondo State Government announced that he died of complications from long‑term prostate cancer while receiving medical care in Germany. Following his death, Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as the substantive governor of Ondo State.
Impact, Legacy, and Public Recognition
Akeredolu’s legacy spans both the legal profession and state governance. As NBA President, he contributed to debates on legal ethics, professional standards, and judicial independence. His governance in Ondo State was marked by efforts to strengthen public administration, promote fiscal responsibility, and support regional cooperation within the South‑West.
Following his death, tributes from political leaders and community figures emphasised his contributions to democratic governance and public service. His tenure as governor is often discussed within ongoing debates about subnational leadership, governance reforms, and the role of professional expertise in politics.
Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu was a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political and legal history. His journey from distinguished legal practitioner to two‑term governor reflects the intersection of professional leadership and democratic public service in contemporary Nigeria. His life and work underscore the complexities and responsibilities of governance in a federal republic.
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Author’s Note
This article reflects Akeredolu’s contributions to Nigeria as both a legal practitioner and a state leader, offering insight into his enduring impact on governance and legal discourse.
References
- Governorship and death details, Business Post Nigeria and Pulse Nigeria.
- Re‑election and political record, Gistlover.
