Betty Akeredolu, the widow of the late governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, lamented in her tribute that her husband left her “alone to face all manners of mockery.”
Speaking on the journey of their love, Mrs. Akeredolu noted that the deceased governor was berated for loving her.
Calling the love they shared “love at first sight,” the bereaved noted that she was hated for being from the Igbo extraction.
“They are infuriated that a Yoruba man can love his wife, who is Igbo,” she added.
She said, “Not a few lashed out that you were a weakling because you loved me.”
Mrs. Akeredolu added that though Akeredolu was called a “weakling” for loving her, it did not deter him from loving her unconditionally.
Speaking on her impact on his success while he yet drew breath, Mrs. Akeredolu attributed his success to her “positive contribution to” his “life and career, emotionally and intellectually.”
Akeredolu’s widow, in her tribute, said, “You just left me, just like that. It hurts, badly. Now alone to face all manners of mockery.
“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! 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 punch bags.
“They copied the template and treated their wives as pieces of furniture that could be easily discarded as trash.
“And in many instances, the subjugation was garnished with beatings while the community looked the other way and remained unperturbed as gender-based violence reigned supreme nationwide.
“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. 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 enough 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’m 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.
“As a partner, you were kind and playful but annoying sometimes with your jokes, which became normal over the years given that trying to change you from cracking expensive jokes was an exercise in futility.
“During our early years of marriage, when we started from scratch, you made sure we didn’t lack. You took care of me and the children.
“With time, you became the best husband, dad, and grandpa any wife, child, or grandchild would wish for.”
