The widow of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has publicly expressed her determination to ensure that her husband’s hard-won legacies remain intact, regardless of attempts by the current administration to diminish them. Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu’s statement comes in the wake of the recent commissioning of the Ondo Investment House and new fire trucks by the state’s Acting Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
In a passionate and strongly-worded post shared on her social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Akeredolu vowed that she would “fight with my last breath” to preserve the achievements of her late husband, who passed away in 2023. The ex-First Lady’s remarks were in direct response to the delayed delivery of fire trucks that were originally purchased and delivered during Akeredolu’s tenure, but which had only now been commissioned by Aiyedatiwa’s government.
“I Will Not Stand By While My Husband’s Legacy is Destroyed”
Akeredolu’s discontent centers on what she perceives as a deliberate attempt by Governor Aiyedatiwa to score political points by delaying the distribution of critical fire-fighting equipment that was already in the state’s possession for over two years.
According to the former First Lady, the fire trucks, which were fully paid for and delivered to Ondo State while her husband was still in office, should have been distributed immediately, particularly during the earlier part of Aiyedatiwa’s administration. However, they were left idle for an extended period, a delay that Betty Akeredolu finds “uncharitable” and politically motivated.
“It is beyond comprehension to keep these fire trucks for over two years. Why deny the people of Ondo the vital service they were meant to provide? It’s as though the lives of the people don’t matter, as long as the governor can score a cheap political point,” she wrote.
Akeredolu continued by questioning the moral integrity of the delay. “How callous can a governor get? There were occasions in the past two years when these trucks could have saved lives, yet they sat in front of the Old Governor’s Lodge, untouched and unused,” she added, referring to the location where the trucks had been parked.
The emotional outcry from Betty Akeredolu was further fueled by the perception that Aiyedatiwa had tried to present the trucks as part of his administration’s accomplishments, despite the fact that they were purchased and paid for long before he took office.
Accusations of Political Machinations and Deception
The former First Lady was particularly upset by what she called Aiyedatiwa’s “blatant lies” regarding the origin of the fire trucks. She accused the governor of pretending to be unaware of their background and claimed that his actions were part of a calculated strategy to distance his administration from her late husband’s legacy.
“Blatantly lying and pretending or faking innocence is the most annoying thing about Lucky Aiyedatiwa. He knows the truth, and it’s time to stop pretending,” Akeredolu said in the post, condemning the actions of the acting governor. Her frustration was palpable as she stated her intention to keep fighting for what she considers a crucial cause: ensuring that the legacy of her late husband, who served as governor from 2017 to 2023, remains untainted by political maneuvering.
As she put it, “The evil men do lives after them, and as long as I am alive, I will ensure that no one will succeed in erasing Aketi’s legacies. If nobody else speaks up, I will stand in the gap and ensure his hard work is not rubbished.”
Aiyedatiwa’s Administration Under Fire
While the acting governor has remained largely silent in public about the matter, sources within the Ondo State government have responded cautiously to Betty Akeredolu’s allegations. A high-ranking government official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told News Express that it was best to ignore the former First Lady’s claims, suggesting that engaging with her would only escalate tensions.
The official, however, did not provide specific answers regarding why the fire trucks were delayed in distribution or whether any explanation would be forthcoming from the state government.
Despite the reluctance of government officials to comment, Akeredolu’s statements have sparked heated discussions in Ondo State. Public opinion remains divided, with many questioning the timing of the fire truck commission and its political implications.
She has expressed that she will not relent, no matter the cost, in ensuring that the work her husband did for Ondo State is not undermined or forgotten.
“We will not let the truth be buried. If nobody else is willing to fight for Aketi’s legacy, I will,” she concluded in her post.
Rotimi Akeredolu served as the governor of Ondo State from February 2017 until his death in 2023. His tenure was marked by significant infrastructure developments and a strong focus on economic growth, particularly in the areas of agriculture and education. However, his administration was also faced with various challenges, including a growing opposition from different political factions within the state.
