Akeredolu’s Widow Rejects Ondo State Memorial Lecture, Alleges Exclusion
Betty Akeredolu, the widow of late former Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has publicly rejected a memorial lecture planned in his honor by the state government, alleging that her family was excluded from the planning process.
The lecture, part of activities marking the first anniversary of Akeredolu’s death on December 27, 2023, is scheduled to take place on Friday in Akure. Renowned lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) is set to deliver the keynote address, while Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa will chair the event, known as the Akeredolu Leadership Lecture Series.
Taking to her X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Betty Akeredolu expressed her disapproval, describing the event as a propaganda-driven effort.
“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,” she wrote in a fiery post titled, “Re: Purported Aketi Lecture by Ondo Lucky Can’t Be Serious!”
Betty further accused the state government of attempting to exploit her late husband’s legacy for financial gain. “Anybody close to Aketi and Arabinrin becomes your enemy… 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!” she alleged, labeling the planned event a “#Yahoo #419 lecture.”
In response, the Chief Press Secretary to the Ondo State Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, refuted claims of discord between the government and the Akeredolu family. He stated that the family had been invited to the event and highlighted the state’s role in honoring Akeredolu after his passing.
“Akeredolu was not just a family man. He was the governor of Ondo State. He died while serving the state. He was given a state burial, and the state governor attended all the burial activities in Akure, Owo, and Ibadan,” Adeniyan said.
He further emphasized the purpose of the memorial lecture. “The state government is organising this lecture to mark the first anniversary of his passing, and an invitation has been extended to the family for representation. There is no dispute between the government and the family, and we are aware that there will be other events lined up to mark that anniversary,” he added.
The controversy highlights tensions over how the legacy of the late governor, fondly referred to as “Aketi,” is being handled, even as plans for the commemorative event proceed.