Caption: Prof Wole Akeredolu
The Akeredolu family has decided to re-possess and care for Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, widow of former governor of Ondo State Rotimi Akeredolu.
The Emeabiam Community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State has decided to hand over their daughter, who is late Aketi’s widow to his younger brother, Wole Akeredolu.
Recall Aketi, who handed over to his then deputy, Lucky Ayedatiwa, died in December 2023 after battling cancer.
He was buried in February 2024.
Just a few weeks after his burial, his Owerri in-laws performed the traditional Mgbafu Mkpe ceremony of Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, his widow.
Held on Sunday, March 31, 2024 in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, the First Lady posted photos of the ceremony on her Instagram handle, where the Umuegeolu kindred handed her over to her late husband’s immediate younger brother, Professor Wole Akeredolu.
The hand over back to the Akeredolus was the climax of the ceremony. This was after the Akeredolus had indicated interest in still having Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the Ada Owere 1 in their family after the demise of her husband
Prior to the handover, the Akeredolus had presented kolanuts, palm wine and she-goat to the Umuegeolu kindred including food to the Anyanwus as tradition demands.
Responding on behalf the Akeredolus, Prof Wole Akeredolu expressed gratitude to the family, the Umuegeolu kindred and entire Emeabiam Community for their hospitality. He formally informed them of the demise of his elder brother and their in-law who had since been buried. He pledged to continue to cater and care for their wife, Betty. He also thanked all those who were in Ibadan Oyo State to commiserate with the Akeredolu family and the ones who were in Owo to witness the interment of Gov Akeredolu’s remains on February 23, 2024.
The former first lady, who was clad in a black gown with a touch of white stripes and dark sun shade, signaling that the mourning period was not yet over did not respond after the ceremony. Present at the ceremony were Umuegeolu family members, Nde Mgboto Emeabiam(Daughters of the soil) and Oha n’Ikoro Emeabiam(Elders Council). Mgbafu Mkpe is a traditional Igbo ceremony performed shortly after the demise and burial of a woman’s husband in Igbo land. The family of the woman’s husband would indicate interest in still having the widow live with them or not. Upon saying yes, the in-laws would hand over the widow back to the husband’s family after performing some rituals. Should the husband’s family say no, certain rituals are also conducted to free the woman from her husband’s family.
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