Police mourns Ekiti-born, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Theophilus Akeredolu
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the death of an Ekiti-born retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police and elder statesman, Chief Theophillus Adetunji Akeredolu, CON, mni. He passed away on 9 December 2025 at the age of 83, prompting tributes from the force and stakeholders across the country.
Born on 25 October 1942 in Afao, Ikere-Ekiti, the late DIG Akeredolu devoted several decades of his life to the service of the Nigeria Police Force and the nation. He joined the force on 1 September 1969 as a civilian lecturer at the Police College, Ikeja.
He later converted to a General Duty Police Officer on 1 August 1973 with the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police, beginning a long and distinguished operational career marked by discipline, professionalism and leadership.
An accomplished scholar, Akeredolu attended St. John Primary School, Afao, Ikere-Ekiti, and Teacher Training Colleges in Epinmi, Akoko and Ifako, Lagos. He also studied at the University of Lagos, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in English and a Diploma in Education.
He further obtained a Diploma in Law from the University of Ilorin and a Diploma in Journalism, alongside other professional qualifications that complemented his policing career and public service engagements.
During his service, DIG Akeredolu held several strategic positions, including Officer-in-Charge of Investigation at the Criminal Investigation Department, Kwara State Command, Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, and Commandant of the Detective College, Enugu.
He later served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 6, Calabar, and Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of ‘B’ Department (Operations) at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, before his promotion to Deputy Inspector-General of Police on 1 January 2001.
In recognition of his exemplary service, he was honoured with several awards, including the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). Mourning his passing, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, expressed condolences to his family and the people of Ekiti State, describing him as a dedicated officer whose legacy of service and integrity will endure within the force.
