Bámidélé Adémólá-Olátéjú, a former Commissioner for Information in Ondo State, has written a heartfelt tribute to his late principal, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN, CON), on what would have been his 70th birthday, 21 July 2024. In the piece, Adémólá-Olátéjú defends loyalty against the trend of treating it as naivety, stating, “It is better to be hanged for loyalty than to be rewarded for betrayal.” He served Akeredolu first as Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, and later as Commissioner for Information, describing the trust extended to him as rare in Nigerian public life.
Early Life and Rise to Prominence
Akeredolu was born on 21 July 1956 in Owo, Ondo State, to Reverend J.O. Ola Akeredolu and Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu. He attended Government School Owo, Aquinas College Akure, Loyola College Ibadan, and Comprehensive High School Ayetoro before earning a law degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978, he became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1998. He served as Ondo State Attorney-General and later as President of the Nigerian Bar Association, where he confronted the presidency on questions of fitness to govern. His nickname “Mr Talk and Do” reflected his commitment to keeping promises, and he insisted on being called “Arakunrin” (brother) rather than “Your Excellency.”
Moral Courage in Governance
As Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and the South-West Governors’ Forum, Akeredolu championed regional equity and security. He led the establishment of the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun, to address insecurity in the South-West without waiting for federal permission. Adémólá-Olátéjú describes this as “moral courage rendered as policy, not rhetoric.” Akeredolu’s governance focused on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and agriculture, but his larger legacy was setting a standard that leadership is measured by character.
The Man Behind the Office
Akeredolu was known for his humour and love of song, often breaking into song during serious meetings to defuse tension. He had a gift for reading a room and putting aides at ease, believing that fear produces poor judgment. His public pronouncements on federalism, regional autonomy, and the dignity of the Yoruba nation continue to be quoted widely.
A Loyalty Defended
Adémólá-Olátéjú writes, “I make no apology for the loyalty I had for this man, in his life and in his passing.” He rejects the notion that betrayal is sophistication, asserting that Akeredolu extended trust without reservation. The tribute concludes with the former commissioner affirming his pride in serving and remaining loyal. Akeredolu died on 26 December 2023 in Germany after a protracted illness.
