The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has described the late Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as a worthy ambassador of the ivory tower.
The management said they received the news of the passing of Akeredolu an alumnus of the University, and the governor of Ondo State until his demise with deep sorrow and heavy heart.
The institution in a release by its public relations officer of the university, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that Aketi, as he was fondly called, was an outstanding leader, a dedicated public servant and a proud alumnus of Great Ife, who graduated with a Law degree in 1977.
He was described as a man of vision and passion who, throughout his earthly journey, exemplified the values of excellence, leadership, and commitment to community service that OAU holds dear adding that his contributions to the University community were instrumental in shaping a legacy of academic achievement and civic responsibility.
“After leaving OAU, Aketi pursued a remarkable career in Legal practice with a distinguishing focus on public service, 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.
“Aketi’s outstanding law practice culminated, first, in his election as the president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in 2008 and later, twice, as the Executive Governor of his home-state, Ondo – the Sunshine state.
“His tenure, which made him the 17th governor, but 6th civilian, ran from February 24, 2017 until his sad passing on December 27, 2023, was marked by a steadfast commitment to the welfare of the people, economic development, and the promotion of education, equal rights, security of lives and property, and rule of law and justice.’’
