Betty Akeredolu, the wife of the lateRotimi Akeredolu, former governor of Ondo State, has penned a heartfelt tribute to her husband.
Rotimi Akeredolu, who passed away on December 27, 2023, was laid to rest on Friday, February 23, 2024, in his hometown of Owo, Ondo state, with the funeral service held at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Owo.
The solemn event was attended by dignitaries including Vice-President Kashim Shettima, George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), various state governors, politicians, family members, friends, lawyers, and residents of Ondo state.
Akeredolu and Betty’s love story began during their one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Enugu state.
Betty faced criticism during the late governor’s illness, with some accusing her of controlling the state and preventing her husband from transferring power to his deputy governor.
In her tribute, Betty addressed those who criticized their union based on ethnic differences. She expressed her pain at being left alone to face mockery from both friends and adversaries.
The former Ondo first lady defended her late husband against accusations of weakness, asserting that a man of Akeredolu’s stature, as an Amotekun generalsimo, could not be considered weak.
She challenged the critics, questioning if they truly understood the meaning of love, citing instances of domestic violence and mistreatment of wives in some households.
Betty emphasized that love knows no ethnic boundaries and recounted how their love story, rooted in love at first sight, defied stereotypes.
She highlighted Akeredolu’s pride in their relationship and his audacious proclamation that he voted for one but got two—a testament to her positive contributions to his life and career, emotionally and intellectually.
In her tribute, Betty said, “Darlin,….It’s me, your adorable Betty. You just left me. Just like that! It hurts. Badly it hurts. Now alone to face all manners of mockery from the so-called friends and adversaries alike. Now alone. A beg o! Can an Amotekun generalissimo be a weakling? Mbanuu! It doesn’t add up nau. Haba!”
“Not a few lashed out that you (Akeredolu) were a weakling because you loved me. I don’t think so in their homes while growing up they saw their mothers trampled upon as doormats. By the way, do they know what love is?
“They copied the template and treated their wives as pieces of furniture that can be easily discarded as trash. In many instances, the subjugation was garnished with beatings while the community looked the other way and remained unperturbed by gender-based violence. Beaten up like punch bags.
“They copied the template and treated their wives as pieces of furniture that can be easily discarded as trash. And in many instances the subjugation was garnished with beatings while the community looked the other way and remained unperturbed as gender based violence reigned supreme nationwide.
“In civilised climes, if you beat your wife, jail awaits you even if you are a Governor. T hey marvel that a Nigerian man can love his wife. T o them na only Oyibo man dey love.
They are infuriated that a Yoruba man can love his wife who is Igbo. H ow can? Igbo lasan, lasan!
“Na love at first sight brought us together, biko. No be juju! N a love make me cross the Niger. T hat love at first sight turned out to be true and pure. A nd you were proud to say it. You were proud to show it.
“You were even prouder to tell the people of Ondo State and beyond that we were a team. You were audacious to tell your people that “you voted for one but got two”.
“A testimony of my positive contribution to your life and career, emotionally and intellectually.”
