Akeredolu at 70: The man who trusted me with his voice

Bámidélé Adémólá-Olátéjú reflects on the life and legacy of the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, former Governor of Ondo State, on what would have been his 70th birthday.

“

it is better to be hanged for loyalty than to be rewarded for betrayal

Adémólá-Olátéjú expresses unwavering loyalty to Akeredolu, rejecting the notion that loyalty is naivety. He recounts the trust Akeredolu placed in him, appointing him as Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations and later as Commissioner for Information. In these roles, Akeredolu allowed Adémólá-Olátéjú to shape public narratives and write his speeches, a rare gesture of trust in Nigerian public life.

“

Akeredolu extended trust to me without reservation; the least I owe his memory is an unflinching account of who he was and what he stood for, offered without the hedging that so often passes for balance.

The article details Akeredolu's background, born in Owo in 1956. He pursued law, earning a degree from the University of Ife and becoming a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1998. He also served as President of the Nigerian Bar Association, where he notably confronted the presidency on governance issues. His commitment to fulfilling promises earned him the moniker "Mr Talk and Do." He rejected the title "Your Excellency" in favor of "Arakunrin" (brother), symbolizing his desire to remain connected to the people.

“

In a political culture where principals often surround themselves with aides they manage rather than aides they believe in, Akeredolu chose to believe.

Akeredolu's leadership extended to his role as Chairman of the Southern Governors' Forum. He championed the region's demand for equity within the Nigerian federation. When insecurity threatened the South-West, he proactively initiated the establishment of Amotekun, the Western Nigeria Security Network, believing in the people's responsibility for their own security.

“

He earned the sobriquet “Mr Talk and Do” because he treated a public promise and its fulfillment as a single, indivisible obligation.