Nigeria Is A Zoo Country,’ Says Former Ondo First Lady, Betty Akeredolu, Whose Husband Refused To Hand Over To Deputy Despite Protracted Ailment.
Betty Akeredolu, the immediate past First Lady of Ondo State, has sparked controversy with her comments labelling Nigeria as a “zoo country.” The remarks, shared via her social media handle on Wednesday, were in response to comparisons she made between Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election and the recently concluded U.S. presidential election.
Just thinking 🤔
2023 Nigerian Presidential Election
Total Votes Cast: 25 million
Counting Duration: 5 days2024 U.S Presidential Election
Total Votes Cast: 155 million
Counting Duration: Approx. 10 hoursMoral:
When dishonesty is prioritized, simple things become difficult.
— Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, PhD (@adaowere1) November 13, 2024
Akeredolu pointed out the disparity in efficiency, noting, “2023 Nigerian Presidential Election Total Votes Cast: 25 million, Counting Duration: 5 days. 2024 U.S. Presidential Election Total Votes Cast: 155 million, Counting Duration: Approx. 10 hours.” She concluded, “When dishonesty is prioritized, simple things become difficult.”
However, one of her followers, Paulexy, @paul_ozah commented on the post saying, “Truth is indeed bitter. I can understand the attacks on her. We are doomed in this country Nigeria.”
Mrs. Akeredolu replied, “Very bitter indeed! Who will rescue Nigeria? What a zoo country!”
Rotimi Akeredolu’s Health Crisis and Power Struggle
Rotimi Akeredolu, former Ondo State Governor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), faced a protracted battle with prostate cancer before his death on December 27, 2023. Despite severe health challenges, Akeredolu did not formally transfer power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, raising constitutional and ethical concerns.
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Upon returning from a three-month medical leave in Germany in September 2023, Akeredolu chose to stay in Ibadan, Oyo State, instead of returning to Ondo. His prolonged absence and the secrecy surrounding his health condition fueled speculations about his capacity to govern.
Controversy Over Forged Signature
The saga took another twist when the Ondo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Razaq Obe, alleged that the governor’s signature had been forged on an official document. A forensic report by the Association of Forensic Professionals of Nigeria (AFPON) confirmed the forgery. The investigation revealed significant discrepancies between Akeredolu’s known signature and the questioned signature on the document, indicating possible widespread forgery within the administration.
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In a letter addressed to the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Obe wrote, “It has been confirmed that the signature of Mr. Governor on a certain document has been forged. The irregularities in the signature were first observed when a file from my ministry was returned.”
Power Struggle Within the Akeredolu Family
Reports indicate that Betty Akeredolu and her son, Babajide, exerted significant control over the governor’s affairs, even keeping him in Ibadan against his wishes. According to sources, Akeredolu requested to be taken to his hometown of Owo in Ondo State, preferring to spend his final moments there. However, his family allegedly ignored this request, fearing it would reveal the true extent of his deteriorating health and weaken their grip on the state’s power dynamics.
The controversy surrounding Akeredolu’s health and refusal to transfer power mirrors the events of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s tenure. In 2009, Akeredolu, then President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), had publicly urged Yar’Adua to step down due to ill health and allow Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to assume leadership.
The irony of Akeredolu facing a similar health crisis and refusing to relinquish power has not been lost on political observers, raising questions about his family’s influence over state matters and the lack of transparency in governance.
