Former first lady of Ondo State Dr Betty Anyanwu-Akeredoluv has broken her silence after one year of mourning her late husband, Rotimi Akeredolu, who died in office. In her press conference with journalists in Imo State, she insisted on her stand of addressing the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, as a “Baby Oba”.

The widow, still pained by the actions of those behind the demolition of the memorial park built by her husband in honour of the victims of the deadly 2022 St Francis Xavier Catholic Church massacre in Owo, Ondo State, lamented, “You must have heard of the vandalization of the memorial park erected by my husband in Owo after the mayhem at the Catholic Church in 2022.

“Hoodlums vandalized the place. I had to step in. I described the Oba as a baby Oba and I stand by it. They went to the market to make incantations against me with sticks. That was rubbish. I know how my husband contributed to the making of the Oba.” She said.

Meanwhile, Mrs Akeredolu, who said she has kept the incident behind her to focus on her political ambition in her state of birth, has declared her intention to recontest the Imo East senate in 2027.

Having single-handedly attracted a police post which she is currently constructing in her hometown, Emeabiam, to curb the rising insecurity, she has also constructed the Eziobodo/Emeabiam road to ease the transportation of her people as well as empowering scores of indigent natives. She has vowed to do more when she gets to the senate.

She said, “That I’m married outside my homeland doesn’t mean I should not contribute to the welfare of my people. I was enraged at the spate of insecurity in my community that I have to do something. I got approval from Abuja for a police post to be provided in Emeabiam which I will provide”.

“You people know I like returning to Emeabiam, my hometown especially during Christmas festival but I could not do so because of the demise of my husband, Aketi Rotimi Akeredolu. It was not easy for me to return regularly as I used to. You know Igbamkpe (mourning period) for a widow is one year after which I have to remove my black cloth. I was also off the public space; off the social media. The bereavement is truly a telling experience.

“But as a public figure, I can’t stop doing what I used to do and should do. My NGOs I didn’t allow them to suffer. For instance, BRECAN (Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria). I can’t stop creating awareness about breast cancer. I’m a 28-years-old survivor.

“Another is the Bemore Empowered Girls Foundation. I’m an unapologetic gender advocate. I believe women and girls are assets. They are no pushovers. Nwayi bu Ihe (women are assets). I have an organic followership in Ondo State but when the government in the state started playing politics over girl-child advancement, I had to move Bemore to Oyo State which is also home to me.

“Seventeen girls from Imo State participated in the Bemore OYO 2025. I also write a lot these days. I’m also interested in events in Imo State”.

Speaking more about her senatorial aspiration, she said, “What I was pursuing in 2023 and Hope Uzodimma locked it up, we will destroy the padlock this time. We will open it. I will contest for the Senatorial seat of Imo East (Owerri Zone) again. I’m at the consultation stage as to which political party to contest for the position.

“I provided motorcycles for the operatives of the vigilance group and allowances. If I couldn’t be a senator in 2023, it doesn’t mean I can’t contribute to the welfare of my people. There are things happening in Imo State you can’t try in the West especially in Ondo State.

“There is no health centre in a community and school buildings have fallen down and people just keep mute for fear of their lives. They are afraid that if they talk, they will be killed. Will they not die eventually?

“Owerri Zone has been unlucky with representation at the National Assembly. All those representing Owerri Zone at the National Assembly both at the Senate and House of Representatives are bench warmers. Enough of these wheelbarrow and sewing machines empowerment”. Akeredolu stated. (The Sun)