Akeredolu’s Widow Criticises Ondo Governor Over Planned Memorial Lecture.
Betty Akeredolu, widow of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of attempting to exploit her husband’s legacy for financial gain.
The controversy arose over a memorial lecture scheduled by the Ondo State Government as part of activities to commemorate the first anniversary of Akeredolu’s death on 27 December 2023. The lecture, set to take place on Friday in Akure, was announced with renowned lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) as the keynote speaker and Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa as the chairman of the Akeredolu Leadership Lecture Series.
However, in a post on her X handle on Wednesday, Mrs Akeredolu distanced herself and her family from the event, expressing strong disapproval of the initiative. She criticised Governor Aiyedatiwa for excluding the family from the planning process and accused him of using the event as a pretext to misuse public funds.
In her statement titled “Re: Purported Aketi Lecture by Ondo Lucky Can’t Be Serious!”, she said:
“Which legacy? Lecture, my foot! This is not for Aketi because my family and I are not aware. Damn it! As the saying goes: You and your co-travellers cannot shave Aketi’s head in his absence. You cannot weep more than the bereaved. This is insidious propaganda carried too far!”
She further accused Aiyedatiwa of sidelining those loyal to her late husband’s legacy:
“Anybody close to Aketi and Arabinrin becomes your enemy. Your minions are scared to get close; otherwise, they lose their appointments. Now you want to pretend by organising one yeye lecture for Aketi’s memorial as an entry point to chop money on Aketi’s head. You are on your own o! If this is not #Yahoo #419 lecture, tell me what it is!”
The public response to Mrs Akeredolu’s remarks has highlighted the growing tensions surrounding the legacy of the late governor. While some have expressed support for her outburst, others have called for a more measured approach to resolving the dispute.
As the anniversary of Akeredolu’s death approaches, questions remain about how best to honour his contributions while ensuring transparency in the planning and execution of commemorative events.
