An Unacceptable Outburst: A disservice to Akeredolu’s Legacy

By Charles Oludare Marindoti

The late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, was a man of unmatched integrity, a fearless leader, and a relentless defender of the people of Ondo State. His life and leadership embodied the principles of justice, equity, and unwavering commitment to the public good. His legacy as the architect of the Amotekun security outfit, a bold initiative to protect lives and properties, remains a shining beacon in the history of Ondo State governance.

It is, therefore, profoundly disheartening to witness his memory being dragged into the mud by the very person who should be safeguarding it. Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu’s recent outburst on social media, disparaging a memorial lecture organized by the Ondo State Government in honor of her late husband, is not only crass but a blatant display of misplaced priorities.

Governor Akeredolu’s battle with illness was one of courage and dignity, yet it is an open secret that his final days were marred by betrayal. While his health should have been the priority, those closest to him seemed more preoccupied with maintaining political relevance. Instead of shielding him from the stresses of governance, they exposed him to undue pressure, sacrificing his well-being on the altar of political expediency.

From forging his signature to making dubious appointments in his name, these actions were a direct affront to the values Akeredolu stood for. His fight for transparency and honesty in governance was undermined by those who claimed to love him but prioritized power over his health.

Mrs. Akeredolu’s tirade, filled with baseless accusations and unrefined language, is a glaring example of self-centeredness overshadowing decorum. This was initially revealed in her self focused Tribute released in the funeral bulletin, which focused less on her love for the governor or his legacy but more on her grievances. Her recent assertion that the memorial lecture is a “419 lecture” designed to “chop money on Aketi’s head” is both disrespectful and unfounded. This event, organized by the Ondo State Government, is a genuine effort to celebrate Governor Akeredolu’s enduring legacy and reflect on his numerous contributions to the state.

Instead of embracing this opportunity to honor her husband’s memory, Mrs. Akeredolu has chosen to center herself in a narrative of bitterness. Her comments reveal an inability to separate personal grievances from the public interest—a hallmark of incurable narcissism.

Grief is a personal journey, but how it is expressed in the public domain matters, especially when it concerns a figure as beloved as Governor Akeredolu. A year after his passing, one would expect Mrs. Akeredolu to exhibit grace and dignity, using her platform to uplift his memory. Instead, she has weaponized her grief, turning what should be a solemn occasion into a spectacle of self-pity and antagonism.

Her criticism of the government’s tribute to her late husband reflects a deep-seated bitterness. Rather than mourning in peace or contributing constructively to her husband’s legacy, she has chosen to lash out at those who continue to honor him.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s initiative to organize a lecture in Akeredolu’s honor is a commendable act of respect and gratitude. It underscores the importance of preserving the values Akeredolu championed—integrity, justice, and service to the people. This effort should not be diminished by the unwarranted attacks of an aggrieved individual.

The people of Ondo State deserve to remember Governor Akeredolu for who he truly was—a maverick reformer, a courageous leader, and a man of the people. His legacy belongs to the state, and it must not be tarnished by the bitterness of those who fail to recognize the importance of unity and respect.

It is high time Mrs. Akeredolu reconsiders her approach. Her public outbursts do no justice to her late husband’s memory and only serve to distract from the significant contributions he made to Ondo State. If she cannot find it within herself to honor his legacy with grace, she should at least refrain from denigrating those who are trying to do so.

The people of Ondo State must focus on celebrating Governor Akeredolu’s life and legacy with the dignity and respect he deserves. Let us rise above the distractions of bitterness and narcissism to preserve the memory of a leader who gave his all for the good of his people. Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, will forever be remembered as a man of honor, and his legacy will endure far beyond the noise of those who fail to see the bigger picture.

• Oludare, a US-based Nigerian born medic, is Convener, Social Rehabilitation Gruppe (SRG)