I Faced Betrayal After My Husband’s Death, Akeredolu’s Widow Opens Up

Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, widow of former Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has reflected on the emotional and political turbulence that followed her husband’s death.

Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), died on December 27, 2023, at age 67 after a prolonged battle with leukemia and prostate cancer.

In a social media post on Tuesday, the former First Lady of Ondo State said the period after his passing revealed the true disposition of some individuals she described as trusted allies and political associates.

According to her, instead of the solidarity she anticipated, she encountered actions that left her deeply disappointed and hurt.

Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu noted that the experience offered sobering lessons about loyalty, the realities of public life, and the fleeting nature of political relationships. She added that several people she had supported during her husband’s administration distanced themselves after his death.

“Life has a way of confronting us with truths we never imagined we would have to face. When my husband passed two years ago, I found myself not only navigating grief, but also witnessing betrayal in its most shameless form from people we had considered friends and political loyalists.

“It was both shocking and painful. Grief alone is heavy enough; Betrayal layered upon loss can feel almost unbearable. At moments, the experience felt horrendous – even terrifying – because it shattered assumptions I had held about loyalty, friendship, and human decency.

“But adversity, if we allow it, can also become a teacher. Time passed. Reflection deepened. Healing began quietly, almost imperceptibly at first. Somewhere along the way, I discovered that holding on to hurt only prolongs suffering, while letting go creates space for peace,” She posted.

Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu explained that time, reflection, and healing helped her realise that holding on to hurt only prolongs suffering, while choosing peace allows emotional recovery and personal growth.

The former First Lady said writing became her major coping mechanism, noting that sharing her thoughts through her online writing platform helped her process emotions, regain clarity, and rediscover her voice.

Beyond personal reflections, she said her writings now focus on broader societal issues such as gender advocacy, widowhood, girls’ empowerment, public health, community development, and politics.

Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu added that the journey unexpectedly revealed a new strength in communication and leadership, describing the response from readers as both humbling and fulfilling.

“Writing became my refuge. Through my Substack, I found an anchor – a place to pour out thoughts, process emotions, and reconnect with my inner strength. Each piece I wrote was not just content; it was therapy, clarity, and restoration. In telling my story, I reclaimed my voice. In sharing my reflections, I rediscovered calm.

“Importantly, I was not only writing about my loss or grief. I found myself engaging deeply with the issues I care about: gender, widowhood, girls’ empowerment, public health, community development, food security, politics (local and international), insecurity, and the future we must build for our society.

“The beauty of it all is that I discovered a new dimension of my voice — a writing power I did not fully know I possessed. I have a lot to say, and people are paying attention. That realization has been both humbling and deeply fulfilling,” She said.

Despite the setbacks, Dr. Betty stressed that she remains strong and committed to preserving her husband’s legacy, particularly in the areas of good governance, advocacy, and public health initiatives she championed while serving as First Lady of Ondo State.

She also urged women and widows facing similar circumstances not to lose hope, encouraging them to stay resilient and focused regardless of opposition or betrayal.

The Ondo First Lady further stressed that she has chosen peace and forward movement, noting that true leadership includes mastering one’s inner struggles and rising above betrayal without bitterness while continuing to serve society with compassion.

“Not because the experiences did not matter, but because I chose not to allow them to define me. One of life’s greatest lessons is acceptance – accepting that not everyone is meant to stay, not everyone will be loyal, and not every relationship will endure the storms of life. Some people are seasonal. Some are situational. And some reveal their true nature only when circumstances change.

“What matters most is that we do not lose ourselves in the process. What began as a search for healing has evolved into purpose. I choose peace. I choose growth. I choose forward movement, and in that choice, I have found freedom and fulfilment,” she added.