Former Ondo First Lady Betty Akeredolu stirs debate with a social media post describing Nigeria as a ‘zoo.’ Discover the reactions and implications of her statement.
Mrs. Betty Akeredolu, the former First Lady of Ondo State, has ignited public discourse by comparing Nigeria to a “zoo” in her critique of the nation’s electoral process.
In a post on her X account on Wednesday, she expressed her discontent with the significant flaws and inefficiencies she perceives in Nigeria’s presidential election system, particularly when juxtaposed with that of the United States.
Her comments underscored the stark differences in transparency and organization between the two electoral systems, resonating with widespread concerns among Nigerians regarding the integrity of their elections.
Akeredolu’s remarks have elicited a range of responses, with some supporters echoing her frustrations while others have taken issue with her characterization of Nigeria.
This commentary emerges amid ongoing national conversations about the necessity for electoral reform and the establishment of a more effective democratic framework in the country.
She highlighted the contrasting statistics of the 2023 Nigerian Presidential Election and the upcoming 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, emphasizing the challenges posed by dishonesty in governance.
In response to a follower’s acknowledgment of the harsh truth in her statements, Akeredolu lamented the dire state of Nigeria, further reinforcing her critical stance.
Following the death of her husband, Rotimi Akeredolu, on December 27, 2023, discussions about his leadership and their personal dynamics have also surfaced, with former aides commenting on his perceived weaknesses in managing matters related to his wife.
Betty’s late husband, Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, passed away after a prolonged illness that the family chose to conceal.
This occurred following his re-election as governor in October 2020 and his inauguration for a second term in February 2021.
During this term, he required medical treatment abroad and returned to Nigeria in September 2023 after a three-month medical leave in Germany, opting to stay in Ibadan rather than returning to Ondo State.
It was only after his death that the family revealed he had been battling prostate cancer, a condition they had kept private to maintain control over state affairs.
In November 2021, Akeredolu appointed his son, Babajide, as the Director General of the Performance and Project Implementation Monitoring Unit, which sparked controversy.
Despite facing pressure from opposition parties to resign, Akeredolu remained in office, with aides asserting that he could govern from any location.
A forensic report revealed that his signature had been forged on official documents, suggesting that such forgeries were more widespread.
The inquiry was launched by the State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Razaq Obe, who communicated with Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa regarding the forgery of Governor Akeredolu’s signature on an official document associated with his ministry.
In a letter dated December 7 and titled “Forgery Of Mr. Governor’s Signature On Official Document,” the commissioner emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating that the governor’s signature had been confirmed as forged.
He noted that the discrepancies in the signature were first detected when a file from his ministry was returned through the Secretary to the State Government’s office, marking the only file returned out of five submitted for the governor’s approval two months prior.
Upon further examination, he identified notable differences between the questionable signature and the governor’s authentic signatures, prompting him to request a forensic analysis before making his findings public.
The forensic experts have since verified that the signature and handwriting in question were indeed forged.
He underscored the potential for widespread forgery, deeming this information critical for the government and citizens of Ondo State, and included the forensic report and pertinent documents for review.
Additionally, in 2009, Akeredolu had urged then-President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to resign due to his inability to fulfill his duties, advocating for his deputy, Goodluck Jonathan, to assume the presidency.
He often experienced health issues and ultimately passed away in May 2010.
On December 8, 2009, Akeredolu expressed, “The association’s prayer is for the President to recover swiftly, return to his duties, and resign.
Regardless of one’s love for the nation, it should not compromise personal health. The determination of one’s capability to manage state affairs lies solely with medical professionals, not political affiliations or family.
The bar is not opposing the president’s return but insists that the appropriate actions be taken.” Akeredolu further remarked to Reuters on January 5, 2010, “We cannot see him (Yar’Adua), we are unaware of his whereabouts or activities.
Our request is simply for the vice president to be inaugurated as acting president.” Ironically, Akeredolu later encountered similar health issues as Yar’Adua, yet he appeared to prioritize Ondo over his own well-being.
His absence from public engagements raised concerns among Nigerians regarding his health. Reports indicated that Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and their son, Babajide, kept the governor in Ibadan against his wishes.
When Akeredolu was coherent, he expressed a desire to return to Owo, his hometown, to spend his final days there.
However, sources revealed that his family, particularly Betty and Babajide, disregarded his wishes, fearing that revealing his true health condition would undermine their control over the state’s leadership.
Peoplesmind
