BETTY AKEREDOLU’s POLITICAL TURMOIL: NAVIGATING CONTROL AMIDST LOSS OF HUSBAND By Allen Sowore, Esq.

On March 4, 2024, the widow of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN CON, Betty Akeredolu, triggered political unrest in the state by posting on her verified Instagram page, accusing her innocent niece, Mrs. Funke Haruna Akeredolu, of betrayal, labeling her as a “bloody serpent.” Betty questioned Funke’s loyalty to Aiyedatiwa, predicting that time would unveil the truth.

Mrs. Funke’s primary transgression lies in her overt support for Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s bid to extend his term as governor beyond February 2024. Undoubtedly, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has been endorsing Wale Akinterinwa as the proclaimed anointed successor of the late governor. She is unrelenting in her attacks on those who diverge from her preferred choice. Moreover, her attempt to tarnish the governor during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolence visit failed miserably.

Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu overlooks the substantial state resources invested in her late husband’s health and the allocated over N450 million for the dignified state burial. Instead, she chooses to acknowledge the contributions of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

However, the President proceeded to express gratitude to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his efforts and the dignified state burial accorded to the late governor. This left her visibly disappointed!

In January 2023, Betty Akeredolu also directed her scrutiny towards Bunmi Ademosun, then-Special Adviser on Multilateral and Intergovernmental Affairs to Akeredolu, accusing her of providing concoctions from fake pastors to the late governor. Betty emphasized reliance on Western medical care for her husband’s well-being.

Contrary to traditional expectations of widowhood, Betty Akeredolu appears resolute in engaging in political battles, earning her adversaries among prominent figures such as the Minister of Interior, Olubumi Tunji Ojo, former deputy governor Agboola Ajayi, Timilehin Adelegbe (Member House of Representatives, representing Owo/Ose Federal Constituency), Senator Ajayi Borrofice, and present deputy governor Olayide Adelami, among others.

This upheaval is perceived as part of a broader strategy for Wale Akinterinwa and Betty to maintain control of the state until 2032, despite the setback caused by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s passing on December 26, 2023.

Betty’s unwavering pursuit of power and the preservation of her interests raise questions about her genuine mourning of her late husband. Even in her written tribute to her late husband, Mrs. Betty Akeredolu took jabs at her husband’s former aides.

Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu’s actions seem to align with the prevailing belief in the state that she is eccentric and may be struggling with a bipolar disorder, rather than simply being an overzealous first lady.

It is disheartening that the former First Lady wouldn’t allow her late husband a peaceful rest even in death but would instead immerse herself in the murky waters of politics to preserve her allegedly ill-gotten wealth.