Ondo Mourns as Governor Rotimi Akeredolu Passes Away at 67 Following Battle with Leukemia

In a somber announcement, it has been revealed that the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has succumbed to a prolonged battle with Leukemia at the age of 67. Sources within the family disclosed that Governor Akeredolu passed away in Lagos while undergoing treatment, unable to seek medical care abroad.

The late governor, who had recently returned from a three-month medical leave in Germany, continued to govern Ondo State from his residence in Ibadan before taking another medical leave in December 2023. During this period, control of the state was transferred to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, serving as Acting Governor.

Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), faced calls for resignation due to deteriorating health. Activists and opposition parties pressured him to step down or hand over power to his deputy in accordance with the constitution.

Notably, a rift emerged between Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa, leading to an impeachment notice served to the deputy governor by the Ondo State Assembly. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervened, facilitating a peace meeting that resulted in maintaining the status quo for both leaders.

Governor Akeredolu, born on July 21, 1956, in Owo, Ondo State, had a distinguished legal career, serving as the Attorney General of Ondo State and later as the President of the NBA. His political journey culminated in winning two consecutive terms as the Governor of Ondo State, from 2016 to 2023.

Ondo State now mourns the loss of a seasoned leader, legal luminary, and political figure, leaving a significant legacy in his wake.