The Ondo State government has confirmed that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu died of prostate cancer in the early hours of Wednesday in Germany.  

Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, disclosed this in a statement announcing the governor’s death in Akure, the state capital. 

“Governor Akeredolu answered the eternal call while receiving medical treatment in Germany,” the commissioner said. “He succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer.”

Ms Ademola-Olateju said a letter notifying President Bola Tinubu about the devastating news of Mr Akeredolu’s death has been forwarded to the presidency. 

While describing the governor as an extraordinary leader whose unwavering dedication to the state was unparalleled, the commissioner said, “This tragedy has left behind a profound void in our hearts.”

The commissioner appreciated Mr Tinubu’s support for the governor while he battled the ailment, adding, “The family and the state government will release further details regarding the funeral arrangements.”

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

The governor’s ill health had split his government, giving room for the “cabals” in the cabinet, including his son, Babajide, to hijack the administration before the intervention of President Bola Tinubu after several protests by critics and the opposition party.

Upon his return from Germany in September, Mr Akeredolu stayed at his private residence in Ibadan, Oyo’s capital, as calls for his resignation by opposition members heated the state political space. 

He became Ondo governor in February 2017 until his death and was survived by his wife, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and four children.