Late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu Of Ondo State is Dead. President Bola Tinubu paid tribute to the late Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, on Wednesday, calling him as a fierce fighter, brother, confidant, and political soulmate.
Tinubu said in a personally signed statement about the Governor’s death, “Today, I mourn a fighter and fearless defender of truth and the masses…brother, confidant, political soulmate, and the Executive Governor of Ondo State.”
“Rotimi was a man of action and ideas.” He taught us the value of action and service while he was among us.
“In Ondo State, where he had the honour to serve as the governor over the past six years, he served his people with absolute loyalty, dedication, and forthrightness,” the president stated.
The state administration stated Wednesday that Akeredolu, 67, died on Wednesday morning following a protracted battle with prostate cancer.
Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, announced the governor’s death in a statement, saying, “Mr. Governor peacefully departed from this world in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 27, 2023.”
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, ex-president of the Nigerian Bar Association and ex-Attorney General of Ondo State, he was a second-term governor expected to conclude his tenure in 2024.
Tinubu said in a memorial titled “I mourn my fearless brother, Rotimi Akeredolu”:
“Rotimi played his part well but left us too soon.” His likes will never be seen again. Let me express my condolences to the people of Ondo State. We shall remember Rotimi and ensure that his legacy of service is never forgotten.
“In my grief and sadness, I called his wife, Betty, and Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to express my condolences and to encourage them to find solace in this national tragedy.”
“Governor Akeredolu was more than a friend and colleague; he was a brother and soulmate.” His death is a setback for our ruling APC and the progressive family, as we are lessened by his passing.