The Governor of Ondo State, Olurotimi Akeredolu, has passed on after battling Leukaemia and prostate cancer, family sources say.
He died in the early hours of Wednesday at a German hospital where he was receiving medical attention.
A senior government official in Ondo State confirmed that the governor had drawn his final breath.
A statement by Akeredolu’s spokesman had said he would “prioritise his health and ensure a full recovery before resuming his official duties”.
“A formal letter regarding the medical leave and a notice formally transferring power in line with the Nigerian Constitution will be transmitted to the House of Assembly.
“As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a widely respected Nigerian, Governor Akeredolu has consistently delegated power to his deputy during his annual vacations. This practice was observed on April 1, 2021, April 1, 2022, April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023, when he embarked on previous vacations,” the statement partly read.
Here is all you need to know about Olurotimi Akeredolu
Birth and biography
Akeredolu with the full name Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu was born on July 21, 1956. He hails from Ese Odo in Ondo State.
Education and career
He completed his secondary school education in Ibadan, Oyo State and attended the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he studied Law.
Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was appointed Attorney General of Ondo State from 1997 to 1999
He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1998.
Politics
In November 2011, he was selected as the candidate for the Ondo State Governorship 2012 Elections under the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
In 2016, he was awarded the ticket to represent the All Progressives Congress (APC) party at the state’s governorship election and was later declared winner of the guber polls.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu contested for reelection in the 2020 Ondo State governorship election and was declared the winner after winning 15 out of 18 local governments.
Health battle
In June 2023, the 67-year-old was reported unwell and proceeded on medical leave amidst calls for an official handover to his deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, following the 1999 constitution.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu returned in September but took another medical leave in November to further his medical treatment with deputy Aiyedatiwa assuming duties as acting governor of Ondo State.
He died on Wednesday, December 13 after losing the battle to prostrate cancer and leukaemia, aged 67.