Rotimi Akeredolu

About Rotimi Akeredolu

Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu was governor of Ondo State from 2017 until his death on 27 December 2023. He shaped Southwest Nigeria's political landscape as both a respected lawyer and elected leader. His influence extended beyond the courtroom into the halls of power.

Born on 21 July 1956, Akeredolu rose through Nigeria's legal profession with steady ambition. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, the highest rank in the country's legal system. This title placed him among the nation's most accomplished lawyers.

Before politics consumed his calendar, Akeredolu built a law practice with staying power. He co-founded Olujinmi & Akeredolu with Chief Akin Olujinmi, a former attorney general and minister for justice. The firm established him as more than just a courtroom performer—he was a business builder.

The Nigerian Bar Association elected him president in 2008. This role gave Akeredolu a platform to shape legal discourse across the nation. His peers in the profession clearly trusted his vision and leadership.

Akeredolu chose the All Progressives Congress for his political ambitions. On 21 July 2020—his birthday—he emerged as the APC's Ondo State governorship candidate after primary elections. The date carried symbolic weight, marking a new chapter on the day of his birth.

As governor from 2017 onwards, Akeredolu wore multiple hats simultaneously. He doubled as chairman of the Southwest Governors' Forum, a collective voice for the region's elected leaders. This position made him a key figure in Nigeria's power structure.

Akeredolu adopted the prefix "Arakunrin" and earned the nickname "Aketi" throughout his career. These names reflected how people knew him—with familiarity and respect. His seven-year governorship defined the last chapter of his life until illness ended it in late 2023.