- Widow Accuses State Government of Exploiting Late Husband’s Legacy
- Ondo Government Denies Allegations, Says Family Was Invited
Betty Akeredolu, widow of the late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has publicly rejected a planned memorial lecture in her husband’s honor, accusing the state government of sidelining the family in its arrangements.
The lecture, scheduled for Friday in Akure, is part of a series of events to mark the first anniversary of Akeredolu’s death on December 27, 2023. Prominent lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) is set to deliver the lecture, with Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa chairing the session, named the Akeredolu Leadership Lecture Series.
However, Betty Akeredolu expressed her disapproval in a strongly worded post on her X account, declaring that neither she nor her family was consulted or invited to the event.
“Which legacy? Lecture, my foot! This is not for Aketi because my family and I are not aware. Damn it! You and your co-travelers cannot shave Aketi’s head in his absence,” she wrote in the post, which carried the title: “Re: Purported Aketi Lecture by Ondo Lucky Can’t Be Serious!”
Betty accused the state government of using her late husband’s legacy for financial exploitation, calling the planned event a “#Yahoo #419 lecture.” She claimed the current administration had deliberately alienated those close to the late governor while now feigning tribute through the memorial lecture.
“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!”
In response, Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, dismissed Betty’s claims, stating that the state government had extended an invitation to the family for the memorial lecture. He also highlighted the state’s commitment to honoring Akeredolu’s contributions.
“Akeredolu was not just a family man. He was the governor of Ondo State. He died while serving the state and was given a state burial, attended by the governor and other officials,” Adeniyan said.
The press secretary clarified that the lecture was part of broader efforts to mark Akeredolu’s passing, emphasizing that the initiative was in line with honoring his service to the state.
As public discourse around the memorial event continues, the planned lecture has spotlighted tensions between the late governor’s family and the current administration, casting a shadow over efforts to commemorate his legacy.
