The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced, with deep sorrow, the passing of a distinguished retired senior police officer and elder statesman, Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Chief Theophillus Adetunji Akeredolu, CON, mni, who passed on to glory on 9th December, 2025.
Born on 25th October, 1942, the late DIG Akeredolu dedicated several decades of his life to the service of the Nigeria Police Force and the nation. He was enlisted into the Force on 1st September, 1969, where he initially served as a civilian lecturer at the Police College, Ikeja, before converting to a General Duty Police Officer with the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) on 1st August, 1973.
A highly accomplished scholar and seasoned professional, DIG Akeredolu received his early education at St. John Primary School, Afao, Ikere-Ekiti, and Teacher Training Colleges in Epinmi, Akoko, and Ifako, Lagos. He later attended the University of Lagos, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in English and a Diploma in Education. He also earned a Diploma in Law from the University of Ilorin and a Diploma in Journalism, among other professional qualifications.
During his illustrious policing career, he held several strategic and leadership positions, including Officer-in-Charge of Investigation at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Kwara State Command; Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command; Commandant, Detective College, Enugu; Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 6, Calabar; and Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of ‘B’ Department (Operations), Force Headquarters, Abuja. He was promoted to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police on 1st January, 2001, serving as DIG in charge of ‘B’ Department (Operations) at the Force Headquarters until his retirement on 14th March, 2002.
The late DIG Akeredolu also underwent extensive local and international professional training. These included courses at the Metropolitan Police College, Hendon, London; the Middle Management Course at the Royal Institute of Public Administration, London; the Intermediate Command Course at the Staff College, Jos; the Senior Command Course in Durham, Great Britain; and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos.
In recognition of his outstanding service to the nation, he was honoured with several awards and decorations, including the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). Beyond his policing career, he was a revered traditional and religious leader, serving as the Chief Aremo of Afao, Ikere-Ekiti, and holding notable titles within the African Church community in Abuja and Ekiti State.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Yemi Akeredolu, and his children.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, on behalf of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, associates, and the people of Ekiti State on the passing of this eminent officer. The Force mourns the loss of a dedicated professional whose legacy of service, leadership, and integrity will continue to inspire generations of police officers.