They assault their wives but mocked you for loving me- Mrs Betty Akerodolu

During the funeral of her late husband, former Ondo Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu revealed that those who assaulted their wives mocked her husband for his loving nature. Mrs Akeredolu made this statement in a tribute she wrote at the funeral held at Saint Andrews Church, Imola, Owo. She emphasized that in civilized societies if a man beats his wife, he would face imprisonment, even if he holds a position of power. She expressed that people were amazed to see a Nigerian man genuinely loving his wife, as they believed such love was only found among white men.

Although Mrs Akeredolu did not mention any names, it is believed that she was referring to certain aides in her late husband’s cabinet who criticized his affection towards his wife. While her husband was ill, Mrs Akeredolu faced challenges from political supporters and aides, and she used her social media platforms to subtly respond to her critics. In her tribute, she mourned the fact that her husband left her alone to face mockery. Some accused Mr Akeredolu of being weak because of his love for his wife, but Mrs Akeredolu disagreed, stating that those individuals grew up witnessing their mothers being mistreated and abused, leading them to treat their wives as disposable objects.

Mrs Akeredolu described her late husband as a loving, passionate, and caring man. She emphasized that their love was genuine and not based on any form of manipulation. She expressed her husband’s pride in their relationship and his willingness to publicly acknowledge their partnership. Mrs Akeredolu stated that her husband, despite being the governor, never treated her with disrespect and always honoured her. She defended him against the accusations of weakness, asserting that he was a strong and admirable man.

Rotimi Akeredolu was laid to rest in his hometown of Owo, with dignitaries and personalities paying tribute to him and expressing their condolences.