Public Opinion: Nigerians Share Their Challenging Experience Under The Late Akeredolu’s And “Blunt” Wife, Betty’s Governance For Seven Years

On December 27th, 2023, the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Akeredolu, passed away in Germany after a prolonged battle with cancer, particularly complications related to prostate cancer. His death has prompted varied reactions from Nigerians, shedding light on their experiences under his seven-year governance, as well as the perceived influence of his wife, Betty Akeredolu. CONTINUE READING

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The 67-year-old politician returned to Nigeria in September after a three-month medical leave in Germany. Subsequently, he took another leave, complying with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to hand over power to his deputy, Aiyedatiwa, who assumed the role of Acting Governor.

Nigerians are expressing mixed sentiments in response to Akeredolu’s demise. While some offer condolences with messages like “Rest In Peace” and “May his soul rest in peace,” others are critical of his leadership during the seven-year tenure. Accusations include failure to pay pensioners, poor road conditions, a substantial increase in state university fees, coupled with controversial remarks directed at affected students like ‘Your school fees can’t buy me a pair of shoe’.

Notably, some individuals are pointing fingers at Betty Akeredolu, labeling her as a “power drunk” and holding her accountable for her husband’s death. The First Lady has also faced criticism for her perceived rudeness and recklessness, as exemplified in her directive to Ondo residents, stating, “I’m an activist bf First Lady. Truth must be told. If e dey pain u, go hug transformer!”

Here are some reactions from Nigerians:

Sir David tweeted; “Akeredolu, you knew you were sick but you cleaved fast to power as if it’s your birthright. Now, you’re gone & the power you cleaved so fast to will now be handed over to someone else. Made the good folks of Ondo State suffer unnecessarily. A good reminder to our greedy politicians, life & power is transient. Only your works will be remembered.” read it here: https://x.com/SirDavidBent/status/1739939917155668158?s=20

Ola via X claimed: “Betty will now be forced to vacate the government house… a place she refused to vacate and attend to her dying husband. Jide had become a normal civilian like me.. someone who was more powerful than the Deputy Gov during his father’s reign. Life !!!.”. Read the tweet here: https://x.com/OlaDway_/status/1740021809662287961?s=20

Links_xyz via Twitter; “i enter school you increase school fees by 100 % we gather do your tenure. i finish school you also finished with life. win-win.”. Read it here: https://x.com/links__xyz/status/1739926581462564884?s=20

Asegun via Twitter: “The three that failed the state moved from power to exit glory. Only one that did well still living till date. I do tell people, the easiest way for you to die as a governor in Ondo is to underperform. It’s no longer a coincidence.” Read it here: https://x.com/PhilipsFad/status/1739943147097231629?s=20

Senator Shehu Sani via Twitter: “EVERY year,you passed the date of the anniversary of your death without knowing it.We all have that fateful moment when the journey of our lives will come to an end.The mystery of our mortality is not knowing our terminus.Reminding ourselves of the ephemerality and transience will guide our conduct.Every man alive is a man dead.Appreciate everyday you live,that may be all you have left.We pray for the repose of the soul of those who left us this year.”

Oluwafemi via X remarked: “The Akeredolus lived life like he wouldn’t leave the office. I will never forget that my Dad’s prolonged sickness is directly tied to his wickedness. He didn’t pay his pension and when he was sick the hospitals weren’t working because he was owing health workers.” Read it here: https://x.com/SFAjayi/status/1739950801962103108?s=20

Dr Olufinmilayo, a famous doctor on Twitter tweeted few days to Akeredolu demise: “A foolish governor spent 7years in power. He did not build one hospital. He did not build one emergency centre. He did not pay medical staff- in fact some nurses are owed 8months salary. Now the governor is dying, And his son is begging the president to give them air ambulance to fly him out for medical care. NO PLEASE.  HE MUST STAY IN THAT STATE. Those hospitals he failed to build/improve, He must be taken there to treat him, just like every other citizen. If he dies, let him die. Those medical staff he failed to pay; He must be taken to them to treat him, just like every other citizen; If he dies, let him die. That emergency medical centre he failed to equip and develop, he must be taken there just like every other citizen. If he dies, let him die. To be clear; This is not wishing him death. This is only wishing him the exact treatment in the same hospitals in that state that he wants for his own citizens. Let me ask you this simple question: If an average citizen of the state fell ill, or if their father was dying from cancer or stroke, do they have access to a presidential air ambulance to fly them out of the country? If the average citizen doesn’t have any choice but to use the same unfortunate undeveloped hospitals in the state and be attended to by the same upset unpaid nurses in the state, pls why exactly should the governor’s fate be different? These politicians must be made to use the exact same public services that they expect the average citizens to use. That way they also have an idea of the pain, the suffering and the enormous trauma the citizens have to live with. So again, to be clear. The governor must himself be taken to the very same hospitals in the state that he failed to equip and develop. If he dies, let him die. His life is not more valuable than anyone else’s life in that state. The end. Thank you. Full stop.”

Source: Bushradiogist