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  • Akeredolu: Ondo has lost a gem – Alake

    Akeredolu: Ondo has lost a gem – Alake

    The minister of solid minerals development, Dele Alake said Ondo state has lost a gem in its late Governor and a quintessential progressive who is always at the forefront of defending his people and fighting for the emancipation of the downtrodden.

    Alake described the late governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, as an irrepressible fighter and courageous defender of the people.

    Read Also: Governor Akeredolu’s death a painful loss – Speaker Abbas

    The minister in a statement through his special assistant media, Segun Tomori said: “I am deeply shocked by the loss of a brother and friend and indeed one of the leaders of the progressive movement, late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

    “Akeredolu carved a niche for himself as a bold and irrepressible defender of the interests of the Ondo people and the Yoruba nation. His voice resonated across the country as a lodestar in the struggle for the entrenchment of true federalism. As State Governor, he made the welfare of the people the focal point of governance.

    “Nigeria has lost a titan, but we are consoled by the fact that he left an indelible mark in the political firmament. I commiserate with President Bola Tinubu and the good people of Ondo State on this irreparable loss. May Aketi’s soul rest in the bosom of the Lord.”

  • Akeredolu: Things to know about Leukemia

    Akeredolu: Things to know about Leukemia

    The Ondo state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, died in Germany on Wednesday, December 27.

    He was 67 years old.

    Akeredolu had reportedly been battling with Leukemia

    Here are things to know about Leukemia

    Leukemia is a group of blood cancers that usually begin in the bone marrow and result in high numbers of abnormal blood cells.

    These blood cells are not fully developed and are called blasts or leukemia cells.

    In 2015, leukemia was present in 2.3 million people worldwide and caused 353,500 deaths.

    In 2012, it had newly developed 352,000 people.

    It is the most common type of cancer in children, with three-quarters of leukemia cases in children being the acute lymphoblastic type.

    However, over 90% of all leukemias are diagnosed in adults, with CLL and AML being most common in adults.’

    It occurs more commonly in the developed world.

    Symptoms may include bleeding and bruising, bone pain, fatigue, fever, and an increased risk of infections.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Governor Akeredolu dies 

    These symptoms occur due to a lack of normal blood cells.

    Diagnosis is typically made by blood tests or bone marrow biopsy.

    Causes of Leukemia

    The exact cause of leukemia is unknown.

    A combination of genetic factors and environmental (non-inherited) factors are believed to play a role.

    Risk factors include smoking, ionizing radiation, petrochemicals (such as benzene), prior chemotherapy, and Down syndrome.

    People with a family history of leukemia are also at higher risk.

    Treatment may involve some combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and bone marrow transplant, in addition to supportive care and palliative care as needed.

    Certain types of leukemia may be managed with watchful waiting.

    The success of treatment depends on the type of leukemia and the age of the person.

    Outcomes have improved in the developed world.

    Five-year survival rate is 65% in the United States.

    In children under 15 in first-world countries, the five-year survival rate is greater than 60% or even 90%, depending on the type of leukemia,

    In children with acute leukemia who are cancer-free after five years, the cancer is unlikely to return.

    Specific types of leukemia

    Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL

    Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

    Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)

    Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML

    Hairy cell leukemia (HCL)

    T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia

    Adult T-cell leukemia.

    Signs and symptoms

    How leukemia affects the body

    Having too many leukemia cells and too few normal cells is harmful because leukemia cells serve no purpose in keeping you healthy.

    Normal blood cells have very little space and support to mature and multiply inside of your bone marrow because the leukemia cells overtake them.

    Fewer red blood cells, healthy white blood cells and platelets are made and released into your blood. As a result, your body’s organs and tissues won’t get the oxygen needed to work properly. Also, your body won’t be able to fight infections or form blood clots when needed.

  • Akeredolu: I’m hugely shaken by death of my counterpart – Adeleke

    Akeredolu: I’m hugely shaken by death of my counterpart – Adeleke

    The Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke has expressed shock over the death of his Ondo state counterpart, Rotimi Akeredolu.

    Adeleke said he is deeply troubled by the news of the demise of Akeredolu, noting that it is a huge national loss.

    The Osun governor through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed stated: “Arakunrin Akeredolu was one of the finest minds in the country’s legal profession, and as a colleague in the Governor’s Forum, his wise counsel and constructive contributions are hard to miss. Nigeria lost one of its finest, and I’m hugely shaken.”

    Read Also: Lawan, Mark mourn Akeredolu, Na’Abba

    Adeleke condoles with the acting governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the family of the deceased, the government and the people of Ondo State over this painful loss, urging them to keep his memory alive by sustaining his legacy of good deeds and impacts.

    He said: “In this moment of grief and pain, I offer my deepest sympathy to everyone touched by Arakunrin Akeredolu’s demise and pray to God to grant him eternal rest while hoping for his immediate family, the government and the people of Ondo state that he left behind find comfort in the life full of accomplishments that he lived.”

  • Akeredolu’s death monumental loss to Nigeria, says Oyebanji

    Akeredolu’s death monumental loss to Nigeria, says Oyebanji

    Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed his condolences on the death of his Ondo State counterpart, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, describing it as a monumental loss to the Yoruba nation and the country at large.

    Oyebanji in a statement on Wednesday, December 27, by his special adviser on media, Yinka Oyebode, said he was devastated by the news of the death of the Ondo State Governor, who was once President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

    The Governor said his administration and the entire people of Ekiti State identify with the government and people of Ondo State during this critical period of mourning for the chief executive of the Sunshine State.

    Oyebanji described Akeredolu as a legal giant and scholar, an administrator par excellence, a consummate and courageous politician who spoke truth to power till he breathed his last.

    He said the late Governor made a great difference in the lives of his people and the nation through a combination of purposeful leadership and commitment to excellent service delivery.

    Read Also: Governor Akeredolu’s death a painful loss – Speaker Abbas

    He regretted that Akeredolu’s death had robbed the country of a committed statesman who was interested in and was irrevocably committed to the development of his state and the country.

    Governor Oyebanji said: “This is indeed a sad day. I have lost a senior brother, a friend of our dear state, a dogged fighter and a visionary leader.”

    Oyebanji further described Akeredolu as a man of excellence, class, and candour who was imbued with uncommon brilliance which he brought to bear in the day-to-day administration of Ondo State and has been widely acknowledged as a major agent of transformation of the State.

    He noted that Akeredolu’s death is also a painful loss to the Southwest Governors’ Forum and the Southern Governors’ Forum both of which the deceased chaired and used as platforms to enrich governance and the standard of living of citizens.

    According to him, Akeredolu advocated for the entrenchment of democracy and good governance to the best of his ability using the platforms of politics and the legal profession.

    Oyebanji said Akeredolu has left legacies that can never be obliterated as a lawyer, Attorney General of old Ondo State, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Governor of Ondo State, chairman of Southwest Governors’ Forum, Chairman of Southern Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Chancellor, Diocese of Owo, the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, among others.

    He prayed to God to grant the wife of the deceased, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the children, friends and associates, the Owo community, and the entire citizens of Ondo State the fortitude to bear the loss.

    He added: “On behalf of the Government and people of Ekiti State, I extend our condolences to Arakunrin Akeredolu’s immediate family, the Owo community, and the good people of Ondo State.”

  • 27 things to know about late Ondo governor Akeredolu

    27 things to know about late Ondo governor Akeredolu

    The Ondo state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, died in Germany on Wednesday, December 27.

    He was 67 years old.

    It was gathered that State House doctors managed him up to his death because they could not fly him abroad.

    One of the commissioners in Ondo state who pleaded anonymity confirmed Akeredolu’s death to The Nation.

    A reliable source said: “Akeredolu is dead; he died in Germany.

    Akeredolu had returned to Nigeria in September following a three-month medical leave in Germany.

    On December 13, he went on another medical leave after being directed by President Bola Tinubu to hand over power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    The medical leave was a follow-up to a previous medical treatment.

    Here are 27 things to know about late Ondo Governor Akeredolu

    1. Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu CON SAN was born on  July 21, 1956, in Owo to Reverend J. Ola Akeredolu of the Akeredolu family and Lady Evangelist Grace B. Akeredolu of Aderoyiju family of Igbotu, Ese Odo, in Ondo State.

    2. Akeredolu started his primary education at a government school in Owo. He proceeded to Aquinas College, Akure, Loyola College, Ibadan, and a comprehensive high school, Ayetoro, for his secondary school education and Higher School Certificate, respectively.

    3. His middle name Odunayo means “Year of happiness” in Yoruba.

    4. He went on to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) to study law and graduated in 1977.

    5. He was a Nigerian lawyer and politician.

    6. He assumed office as Ondo governor on February 24, 2017.

    7. He reportedly died of prostate cancer.

    8. His adopted prefix is “Arakunrin”, while his nickname is “Aketi”.

    9. He is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who became president of the Nigerian Bar Association in 2008.

    10. Akeredolu was also a Managing Partner at the law firm of Olujinmi & Akeredolu, which he co-founded with Chief Akin Olujinmi, a former Attorney General and Minister for Justice of Nigeria.

    11. He was the chairman of Southwest Governors.

    12. He was referred to as the Nigerian Bar 1978.

    13. Akeredolu was appointed Attorney General of Ondo State from 1997 to 1999.

    14. In 1998, he became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He was Chairman of the Legal Aid Council (2005–2006).

    15. In November 2009, he faced allegations of corruption when the Bar Association’s third Vice-President, Welfare Secretary, and Assistant Financial Secretary circulated a petition entitled “Complaints against your fraudulent manifestations, violation of the NBA”.

    16. Subsequently, the allegations against him were reviewed and dropped by the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Bar Association.

    17. In November 2011, Akeredolu was among a crowd of aspirants to be the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate for governor of Ondo State in the 2012 elections.

    18. On 28 July 2012, Akeredolu was selected as the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate for governor of Ondo State during the ACN congress in Akure.

    19. His selection pitched him in a head-to-head battle with the incumbent, Olusegun Mimiko, and Olusola Oke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    20.  Akeredolu promised to create 30,000 jobs in his first 100 days in office.

    21. His promise nonetheless resulted in the submission of over 10,000 CVs to his campaign office.

    22. Akeredolu was awarded the ticket to represent the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2016 elections for governor. On Sunday, 27 November 2016, he won the keenly contested 2016 Ondo State gubernatorial election.

    23. On Sunday, 27 November 2016, Akeredolu was announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission as the winner of the Ondo State governorship election.

    24. He amassed 244,842 votes in the election to defeat Eyitayo Jegede with 150,380 votes and Olusola Oke with 126,889 votes. According to Professor Ganiyu Ambali, INEC Returning Officer, Akeredolu defeated two major opponents, Eyitayo Jegede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Olusola Oke of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), to clinch victory. He was sworn in as the governor of Ondo State on 24 February 2017 in Akure, the Ondo State Capital.

    25. On 21 July 2020, he was declared the Ondo governorship candidate after the primary elections under the platform of the APC, for a second term.

    26. The 2020 Ondo State gubernatorial election was held on 10 October 2020.

    27. Akeredolu won re-election for a second term, defeating PDP Eyitayo Jegede, ZLP Agboola Ajayi, and several minor party candidates.

  • Akeredolu was an Iroko, a nationalist, says Akpabio

    Akeredolu was an Iroko, a nationalist, says Akpabio

    President of the Senate, Senator Godwill Akpabio, has expressed shock over the death of Ondo state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, describing him as “a nationalist and the Iroko of the Sunshine state.”

    Akpabio in a statement issued in Abuja by his special adviser on media and publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, said Akeredolu was a leader who knew his onions and was indeed the Iroko of Ondo state as he defended the state with all his strength as governor.

    The Senate president eulogised the late governor whom he said spent his active life fighting for justice, fairness and equity adding that as a nationalist, “Akeredolu believed in true federalism, which he pursued with passion and vigour”.

    He said: “I am sad that we have to lose Chief Rotimi Akeredolu this early in life. He was a leader that placed the interest of his people above every other consideration. He was a man of integrity and strong conviction with a strict work ethos and never paid lip service to the welfare of the people of the state.

    Read Also: Governor Akeredolu’s death a painful loss – Speaker Abbas

    “He was a fearless lawyer who spoke truth to power regardless of whose ox was gored. As governor, Chief Akeredolu left his footprints in the sands of history, executing landmark projects and implementing people-oriented policies that earned him a second term in office. A man of style, Chief Akeredolu was obsessed with excellence.

    “I believe the people of Ondo, the South West, and the entire Nigeria, especially the progressives will sorely miss Chief Rotimi Akeredolu because he lived a purposeful and focused life and distinguished himself as a lawyer and one of the best-performing governors in the country.

    “I wish to on behalf of my family and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria extend my sincere condolences to the Acting Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Government and people of Ondo State and particularly his wife, Her Excellency, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and his immediate family. May God give you the fortitude to bear this untimely loss and may He have mercy on him and grant his soul eternal rest.”

  • Ondo govt officially informs Tinubu about Akeredolu’s death

    Ondo govt officially informs Tinubu about Akeredolu’s death

    Ondo state government has informed President Bola Tinubu about the death of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    This was contained in an official statement by the commissioner for information and orientation, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju.

    The statement said Akeredolu died peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday, December 27, 2023.

    It said he succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer.

    The statement: “This tragedy has left behind a profound void in our hearts. Governor Akeredolu answered the eternal call while receiving medical treatment in Germany.

    “A letter has been sent to President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, to officially inform His Excellency of this devastating news. The family and the Ondo state Government appreciate Mr. President for his support for Governor Akeredolu during his illness. The family and the state government will release further details regarding the funeral arrangements.

    “Governor Akeredolu was an extraordinary leader whose unwavering dedication to the state and its people was both commendable and unparalleled.

    “He not only served as the Governor of Ondo State but also emerged as a prominent advocate for the entire Southwest region and the nation. Governor Akeredolu was a courageous leader and an exemplar of integrity. The weight of this loss is truly unbearable.

    “However, we find solace in the knowledge that Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu lived a purposeful life, devoted to the service of God Almighty.”

    Read Also: Governor Akeredolu’s death a painful loss – Speaker Abbas

    CAN mourns

    Chairman, Ondo State Christian Association of Nigeria, Anselm Ologunwa, has described the death of Governor Akeredolu as a colossal loss to the state and Nigeria as a whole.

    A statement from the Director of Information and Communications, Daisi Ajayi said, Fr. Ologunwa described Governor Akeredolu as a great fighter of democracy, a dedicated and loving father of all.

    According to him, the Governor had exhibited several outstanding qualities during his tenure of administration ranging from the establishment of Amotekun security outfit and his stand on the unity of the country.

    The chairman affirmed that Akeredolu is well noted for his firmness in decision making as being usually called, ” Mr Talk and Do” governor.

    He also identified various infrastructural developments his administration embarked upon ranging from roads, buildings, and other social development across the state.

    Fr. Ologunwa said his death will no doubt bring about a vacuum in the state but however optimistic that with God all things are possible.

    The chairman condoled with the people of the state and the immediate family of Akeredolu for the irreparable loss of our Governor and pray God to grant him eternal rest.

  • Akeredolu: Ondo governor’s death personal loss to Yoruba race – Ooni

    Akeredolu: Ondo governor’s death personal loss to Yoruba race – Ooni

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed his condolences over the death of Ondo state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

    Ooni described the death of Akeredolu as a personal loss to the Yoruba race because the governor was courageous and honest.

    Oba Ogunwusi recounted that Akeredolu championed the establishment of Amotekun and tackled security challenges facing the southwest states.

    A statement personally signed by the monarch read: “The death of Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Oduayo Akeredolu, SAN is a huge loss to the country and a personal loss to the Yoruba race.

    “The deceased was an epitome of honesty and courage who lived a life worthy of emulation. The Oduduwa race has just lost a pillar of honesty and courage, a man who served humanity with his expertise as a law luminary, experienced politician and a true descendant of Oduduwa.”

    Read Also: Lawan, Mark mourn Akeredolu, Na’Abba

     “When we were challenged at the grassroots by invaders who masqueraded as herdsmen, Aketi worked with stakeholders across the southwest and the national level to deliver our mandate of security and prosperity. This birthed Amotekun and other initiatives through which our people are safer and more confident to embark on their lawful businesses daily.

    He continued, “Akeredolu was a honest, bold, and courageous leader whose legacy will never be forgotten. If Akeredolu tells you anything, that is the way it is.

    “His death is a personal loss to me because we were very close right from our days as students of Loyola College, Ibadan till date. In fact, he did a legacy project for the school through which his name will forever be remembered.

    “My heartfelt condolence goes to the First Lady, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and the entire family, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Ondo sons and daughters as well as fellow Nigerians.”

  • Makinde mourns Akeredolu, describes late gov’s death as monumental loss

    Makinde mourns Akeredolu, describes late gov’s death as monumental loss

    Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed sadness over the death of Ondo state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

    Makinde, in a statement made available on Wednesday, December 27, stated that the death of the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is a sad loss to Yorubaland and Nigeria.

    He expressed his heartfelt condolences to his wife, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the entire family, and the Government and people of Ondo State.

    Describing Akeredolu, who until his death was the chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum, as a dogged and courageous leader, the Oyo State governor said Aketi, as he was fondly called, worked hard with his colleague-governors for the peace, prosperity and progress of South-West states.

    Read Also: Tinubu mourns ‘fearless brother’ Akeredolu

    He said: “I received with great sadness the news of the death of my brother, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, the governor of Ondo State and chairman of South-West Governors’ Forum.

    “I condole with his wife and children as well as the Government and people of Ondo State over this sad loss. In Aketi, South-West has lost a dogged fighter and courageous leader who worked hard for the peace, prosperity and progress of the region.

    “I have also lost a worthy co-fighter for the South-West cause because we were both at the vanguard of the struggle, which birthed the South-West Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun.

    “Aketi’s fervent and unrelenting stance on issues that border on South-West’s regional integration and progress is a lesson for leaders. He will be sorely missed.

    “Rest well, my dear brother and May the good Lord be with everyone you left behind.”

  • Akeredolu: Your death is tragic, Abiodun mourns late Ondo governor

    Akeredolu: Your death is tragic, Abiodun mourns late Ondo governor

    Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has described the death of his Ondo state counterpart, Rotimi Akeredolu, as tragic.

    Akeredolu succumbed to leukaemia in Lagos on Wednesday, December 27.

    He was 67.

    In his condolence message on Wednesday to the acting Governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the family of the deceased and Ondo people, Prince Abiodun described Akeredolu, who until his death was the chairman of the South West Governors Forum, as a dogged fighter throughout his lifetime.

    According to him, Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), stood for equity and fairness in the run-up to the 2023 presidential election when he was the chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum.

    Abiodun said Akeredolu was a visionary leader with an unwavering dedication to his people and social justice.

    Abiodun said: “Akeredolu made an indelible mark on Nigerian politics. From his tenure as the chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association to his role as the chairman of the South West Governors Forum, he continuously championed the cause of justice and the upliftment of his people.

    Read Also: Akeredolu: NGF chair mourns, describes late Ondo gov as exceptional statesman

    “Known for his tireless efforts to improve the lives of Ondo citizens, Akeredolu spearheaded major initiatives that brought about positive change. Under his leadership, the state witnessed significant advancements in healthcare, infrastructure, and education. His commitment to sustainable development earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and citizens alike.

    “As the nation mourns the loss of a formidable leader, Rotimi Akeredolu’s memory will continue to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come. His legacy of compassion, justice, and progress will endure, forever reminding Nigerians of the transformative power of dedicated leadership.

    “In this time of immense grief, the people of Ondo State must unite, draw strength from their cherished memories of their late governor and resolve to honour his legacy by building upon the foundations he laid, ensuring that his vision for a better and brighter future for Ondo State lives on.”