Wife of the late former governor of Ondo State Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has said the death of her husband has made her to be alone to face all manners of mockery from the so-called friends and adversaries.
Mrs Akeredolu in her tribute to her late husband said his untimely demise hurts badly, saying, “Not a few lashed out that you were a weakling because you loved me. A beg o! Can an Amotekun generalissimo be a weakling? Mbanuu! It doesn’t add up nau. Haba!”.
In the tribute, Mrs Akeredolu added, “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 a punchbag.
“They copied the template and treated their wives as pieces of furniture that could be easily discarded as trashed in many instances, the subjugation was garnished with beatings while the community looked the other way and remained unperturbed by gender-based violence/reigned supreme nationwide.”
Akeredolu’s widow further stated that, “In civilized 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.”
Her words: “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.
“We differed on one aspect, though. Religion. You were religious and wore your faith on your sleeves. I am not. With no apologies. You were frustrated. Yet, we managed to work it out by harnessing our communication skills.
“You came to terms with my position on religion and respected my choice of pragmatism. And a peaceful home we built by respecting each other’s idiosyncrasies, supporting each other’s career pathways, and loving each other at the same time. That you were courageous is now like a radio jingle on the lips of all and sundry.’’
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