Betty Akeredolu, the wife of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, in a heartfelt tribute, expressed profound grief over her husband’s passing and lamented the daunting task of facing mockery alone in his absence.
Betty’s tribute, laden with emotions, highlighted the deep bond and mutual respect shared between her and the late governor, portraying a love that transcended cultural and religious differences.
“You just left me, just like that. It hurts, badly it hurts. Now alone to face all manners of mockery,” the tribute reads.
”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 punchbags.
“They copied the template and treated their wives as pieces of furniture that can 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 civilised 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 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. Your 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 and fearless are 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 the 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.
“Aketi’s tribute to Betty @60 on July 20, 2013 gives the reader an insight into the marriage of 42 ys we had.
“We were soul mates. If there is anything like another life, I will marry you and you remain Darlin’mi!”
