‘Insidious propaganda’ — Betty Akeredolu rejects Aiyedatiwa’s memorial lecture

Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, widow of Rotimi Akeredolu, has condemned the state government and Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of the state, over plans to hold a memorial lecture for her late husband.

The Ondo government has scheduled a memorial lecture in honour of Akeredolu, deceased former governor of the state, for Friday in Akure.

Ebenezer Adeniyan, chief press secretary to the governor, shared the event flier and video on social media.

“Please, join us on Friday as we honour our former governor,” he wrote.

The event with the topic: ‘Security Sector Reform in Promoting Peace, Stability and Development; The Ondo Example’, will be chaired by Femi Falana, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Reacting in a post on X, Anyanwu-Akeredolu said her family has not been carried along as it pertains to the lecture.

She also described the planned lecture as a “419” and said it was simply a means to make money.

“Lucky can’t be serious! Which legacy? Mtcheew. Lecture, my foot! This is not for Aketi because I and my family are not aware. Damn it!” she said.

“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 an insidious propaganda carried too far! Lucky, you are preoccupied with rubbishing Aketi’s legacy; you can’t succeed, anyway. 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!”

Akeredolu died on December 27, 2023, aged 67, from prostate cancer complications.

Aiyedatiwa, who had been acting governor before Akeredolu’s demise, secured a fresh governorship term on November 16, 2024.