Rotimi Akeredolu is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who was the governor of Ondo State from 2017 to 2023. He died on 27 December 2023 after a prolonged battle with leukemia.
He was also the president of the Nigerian Bar Association from 2008 to 2010. He was known by his nickname “Aketi” and his adopted prefix “Arakunrin”.
Rotimi Akeredolu’s Early Life and Education
Rotimi Akeredolu was born on 21 July 1956 in Owo, Ondo State, to Reverend J. Ola Akeredolu and Lady Evangelist Grace B. Akeredolu. He started his primary education at Government Primary School in Owo. He proceeded to Aquinas College in Akure, Loyola College in Ibadan and Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro, for his secondary school education and Higher School Certificate, respectively. He studied law at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and graduated in 1977. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978. He was a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who became president of the Nigerian Bar Association in 2008.
Rotimi Akeredolu’s Career
Rotimi Akeredolu, a Nigerian lawyer and politician, held the position of governor of Ondo State from 2017 to 2023. Sadly, he passed away on December 27, 2023, following a prolonged struggle with leukemia. He also served as the president of the Nigerian Bar Association from 2008 to 2010.
Some of the highlights of his career are:
- He served as the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Bar Association Ibadan branch from 1985 to 1986.
- He served as the Attorney General of Ondo State from 1997 to 1999.
- He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1998.
- He served as the Chairman of the Legal Aid Council from 2005 to 2006.
- He co-founded the law firm of Olujinmi & Akeredolu with Chief Akin Olujinmi, a former Attorney General and Minister for Justice of Nigeria³.
- He won the governorship election of Ondo State in 2016 and 2020 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
- He was the chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum, a forum consisting of governors of the Southwest Nigerian states.
Rotimi Akeredolu’s Personal Life, Wife and Children
Rotimi Akeredolu was married to Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, a breast cancer survivor and advocate for breast cancer awareness. They had four children together. He was a devout Christian who enjoyed playing tennis, reading, and singing.
Rotimi Akeredolu’s Net Worth
Rotimi Akeredolu’s net worth is estimated to be between $200,000. He earned his net worth from his career as a lawyer and politician. He served as the governor of Ondo State from 2017 to 2023, held the presidency of the Nigerian Bar Association from 2008 to 2010, and functioned as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Additionally, he worked as a Managing Partner at the law firm of Olujinmi & Akeredolu.
