Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, widow of former Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has spoken candidly about the emotional and political turbulence that followed her husband’s death, describing the period as one marked by grief and unexpected betrayal.
Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), died on December 27, 2023, at the age of 67 after battling leukemia and prostate cancer.
In a social media post on Tuesday, the former First Lady of Ondo State said the months after his passing revealed painful truths about loyalty and political relationships. Rather than the solidarity she had anticipated from trusted allies and associates, she said she encountered actions that left her deeply hurt and disillusioned.
Grief alone is heavy enough; betrayal layered upon loss can feel almost unbearable,” she wrote, reflecting on what she described as shocking behaviour from individuals once considered close friends and loyalists.
According to her, the experience became a sobering lesson about the fleeting nature of political alliances and the realities of public life.
She noted that several individuals she had supported during her husband’s administration distanced themselves after his death.
However, she said adversity ultimately became a teacher.
Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu explained that with time came reflection and gradual healing. She realised that holding on to pain only prolongs suffering, while choosing peace creates room for growth and restoration.
Writing, she revealed, became her refuge. Through her online platform on Substack, she found a space to process emotions, regain clarity, and rediscover her voice.
“Each piece I wrote was not just content; it was therapy, clarity, and restoration,” she stated, adding that her focus has since expanded beyond personal grief to broader societal issues including gender advocacy, widowhood, girls’ empowerment, public health, community development, food security, and politics.
She described the response from readers as humbling and fulfilling, saying the journey uncovered a new dimension of leadership and communication strength she had not fully recognised in herself.
Despite the challenges, the former First Lady affirmed her commitment to preserving her husband’s legacy, particularly in good governance, advocacy, and public health initiatives she championed while in office.
She also encouraged women and widows facing similar trials to remain resilient, stressing that true leadership includes mastering inner struggles and rising above betrayal without bitterness.
“What began as a search for healing has evolved into purpose. I choose peace. I choose growth. I choose forward movement,” she wrote, underscoring her resolve to move ahead with strength and compassion.
