By Cynthia Abah
Betty Akeredolu, widow of former Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, has rejected a memorial lecture organized by the state government to mark the first anniversary of her husband’s death.
The event, scheduled for Friday in Akure, features Femi Falana (SAN), as guest speaker and Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa as chairman of the Akeredolu Leadership Lecture Series.
In a strongly worded post on her X (formerly Twitter), account, Betty Akeredolu criticized the state government for excluding her family from the planning process and claimed they were not invited.
“This is not for Aketi because my family and I are not aware. You cannot weep more than the bereaved.
“This is insidious propaganda! Lucky, you are preoccupied with rubbishing Aketi’s legacy; you can’t succeed.
She also accused the government of exploiting her husband’s memory for financial gain, describing the lecture as a “#Yahoo #419 lecture,” she wrote.
In response, Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Aiyedatiwa, denied any conflict and clarified that the family had been invited.
He highlighted the state’s efforts to honor the late governor, including a state burial and additional commemorative events.
“Akeredolu was not just a family man; he was the governor of Ondo State.
“The memorial lecture is to celebrate his contributions, and the family was invited for representation,” Adeniyan stated.
