The planned memorial lecture in honor of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has been met with criticism from his widow, Betty Akeredolu, who has publicly distanced herself and her family from the event.
The lecture, organized by the Ondo State Government and scheduled for Friday in Akure, is part of activities to mark the first anniversary of Akeredolu’s death on December 27, 2023. Renowned lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) is set to deliver the lecture, while Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa will chair the Akeredolu Leadership Lecture Series.
Taking to her X account on Wednesday, Betty Akeredolu expressed her disapproval, alleging that the state government excluded the family from the planning process and did not formally invite them.
In a strongly worded post titled “Re: Purported Aketi Lecture by Ondo Lucky can’t be serious!”, she questioned the motives behind the event. “Which legacy? Lecture, my foot! This is not for Aketi because my family and I are not aware,” she wrote. She further accused the government of exploiting her late husband’s legacy for financial gains.
However, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan, refuted the claims, insisting that the family had been invited and that the lecture aimed to honor Akeredolu’s legacy as a former governor.
“Akeredolu was not just a family man. He was the governor of Ondo State. He died while serving the state. He was given a state burial, and the state governor attended all the burial activities,” Adeniyan stated. He added that the memorial lecture was part of the government’s effort to remember Akeredolu’s contributions to the state and emphasized that there was no conflict with the family.
The disagreement has cast a shadow over the planned event, raising questions about the coordination between the state government and the late governor’s family in preserving his legacy.
