President, Oduduwa Women Advocacy Initiative, Erelu Modupe Akindele
- demands apology from ex-Ondo first lady
Oduduwa Women Advocacy Initiative has flayed the alleged derogatory outburst of the widow of former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Betty, against the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye.
The group, in a statement by its President, who is also a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, Erelu Modupe Akindele, said the former first lady’s outburst was disrespectful of traditional institution.
She said, “In her outburst, Mrs. Akeredolu, who is the wife of former Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and a traditional chief in her own right, failed to recognize the sanctity of the traditional institution and the respect due to our kings — who are the custodians of our culture and heritage.
It is particularly disheartening that Mrs. Akeredolu, a woman of stature who was married to a respected son of the Owo kingdom, would choose to publicly denigrate the throne of our ancestors.
Her comments regarding the decision of the Olowo in-council to relocate the cenotaph in front of the Olowo’s palace are not only disrespectful but also undermine the authority of our traditional institutions.
Mrs. Akeredolu’s actions appear to stem from a desire for attention rather than genuine concern for the deceased.
Her ongoing public disputes since the passing of her husband have raised questions about her commitment to the progress and peace of Ondo State.
We hereby demand a formal apology from Mrs. Betty Akeredolu, as a wife and member of the Owo kingdom, for her disrespectful remarks towards the Olowo and the traditional institution.
We expect this apology to be tendered within the next seven days. Failure to comply will result in serious repercussions from the women of Yoruba land, who will not tolerate such affronts to our traditions.
We also call upon the Olowo of Owo to continue to uphold the dignity of his office. We urge him to extend his forgiveness to Mrs. Akeredolu while imploring her to show genuine remorse and retract her unfortunate comments within our specified timeline.
Long live the Olowo of Owo!Long live the Owo kingdom!Long live Ondo State, Nigeria!”
