EXTRA: ‘They’re angry you love your Igbo wife’ — Betty Akeredolu says in tribute to husband

Betty Akeredolu, wife of the late Rotimi Akeredolu, former governor of Ondo, has penned a tribute to her husband.

The former Ondo first lady chastised those criticising their union based on ethnic differences.

“They marvel that a Nigerian man can love his wife. To them na only Oyibo man dey love,” Betty wrote in the funeral service bulletin.

Akeredolu, who died on December 27, 2023, was buried on Friday in Owo, Ondo state.

The funeral service was held at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Owo, the hometown of the late governor.

The service was attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF); Abdullahi Ganduje, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC); state governors; politicians; family members; friends, and lawyers, as well as residents of Ondo state.

‘LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT BROUGHT US TOGETHER’

In the funeral service bulletin, Betty penned a heart-warming tribute to her late husband.

Betty spoke about how the late governor was described as a weakling by some people because he loved his wife.

She added that some people were angry that Akeredolu, a Yoruba man, loved her Igbo wife.

Akeredolu and Betty met while observing the compulsory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Enugu state.

When the late governor was sick, some people accused Betty of allegedly taking control of the state and preventing her husband from handing over power to his deputy governor.

‘TRIBUTE TO MY LOVE, AKETI’

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.

Not a few lashed out that you were a weakling because you loved me.

A beg o! Can an Amotekun generalsimo be a weakling? Mbanuu! It doesn’t add up nau. Haba By the way, do they know what love is?

I don’t think so

In their homes while growing up they saw their mothers trampled upon as doormats.

Beaten up like punchbags.

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.

They marvel that a Nigerian man can love his wife.

To them na only Oyibo man dey love.

They are infuriated that a Yoruba man can love his wife who is Igbo.

How can? Igbo lasan, lasan!

To them na only Oyibo man dey love.

Na love at first sight brought us together, biko. No be juju!

Na love make me cross the Niger.

That love at first sight turned out to be true and pure.

And 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.