Ondo First Lady, Betty Suspends 70th Birthday Celebration Over Governor Akeredolu Ill Health

Betty Akeredolu, wife of Ondo Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, has announced the suspension of activities lined up to celebrate her 70th birthday.

The Ondo first lady announced the suspension of the activities in Twitter posts on Sunday after questions were raised over plans to fanfare despite her husband’s ill health.

She tweeted, “Hello Family and Friends. This is to inform you that all activities lined up to mark my 70th birthday are hereby suspended till further notice due to unforeseen circumstances beyond my control. Sorry for any inconvenience caused by this development.”

“Nevertheless, be assured that I will be celebrated in style upon my return.  Thank you for your understanding. I remain Arabinrin a.k.a Ada Owere I.”

Shortly after, she tweeted, “As long as there is life, “owambe” (party) can come anytime!”

Reacting to her tweet, SogoOmoOsun (@SogoOmoOsun) tweeted, “Aketi won’t die, he will live long in Jesus’ name. We celebrate you, Ma.”

Akin Akinwale (@mrlurvy) on Sunday also tweeted, “

Ondo State is experiencing a period of inactivity and minimal development. It is disheartening to see Ondo State in such a state of stagnancy and inactive leadership.

“The Ag. Governor should step aside and allow the Speaker of the House of Assembly be in charge. The Ag. Governor is toothless.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Ondo State especially Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.”

TIFE (@ZeekiHodl) tweeted, “I pray God heals Aketi, good health is underrated and his absence will cause a lot of disagreement amongst his loyalists and agendists.”

Yommie Ajenifuja (@sagyspice) tweeted, “No, but allowing out system to work. The Deputy Governor should be allowed to work without hindrance.  Our prayers with Mr Governor.”

Èjìlẹyẹ Ọlánrèwájù (@EThawwab) said, “They don’t want to set aside whatever issues between them, and, which is affecting the state, however, in political field, such is expected but, morally, not right cos of the effect on the state and whatever progress that is on hold for now.  Ọlọrun a ba wọn Yàn jù e.”

Senator Geekay (@Geekay630nation) tweeted, “I am so disgusted cause I don’t see anything positive about the politics of my state of origin.”

On June 7, 2023, the ailing governor embarked on a 21-day medical leave overseas.

Last Thursday, SaharaReporters reported that Akeredolu wrote from his sickbed and assured Nigerians and residents of the state that he would soon return after his full recovery.

The bedridden governor said this in a statement released on Thursday where he thanked President Bola Tinubu and his political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the immense support they had shown him since he was admitted to the hospital.

For Ondo residents, Akeredolu said he was willing to join them the moment his doctors certify that he could return to the country.

The statement read, “I pen this message with a heart overflowing with immense gratitude and deep appreciation your dedication, understanding ceaseless prayers and messages of goodwill during my journey to recovery have been nothing short of a soothing balm for my soul. Your unwavering support and genuine affection have sustained my determination to renewed vigour and, most importantly to continue serving you, the good people of Ondo State

“I am profoundly grateful to our esteemed President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his team as well as all political party leaders, my brother Governors; the State Executive Council and the members of the State House of Assembly for their unwavering support. Your collective strength and solidarity have uplifted my spirit and reaffirmed my commitment to our shared vision for progress and development.

“While I remain on the path to recovery, I eagerly await the moment when I will stand among you once again, rest assured in high spirits and have full faith in the expertise of my doctors. I will return to you ALL as soon as they deem it expedient.

“My dear people once again your prayers, support and the rejuvenating elixir of goodwill you have bestowed upon me have fortified my resolve. I am resolute in my dedication to serving you and working tirelessly for the betterment of our beloved Ondo State. Thank you from the depths of my heart.”

Earlier this year, SaharaReporters had exclusively reported that Akeredolu was bedridden and was in his residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, and was set to be flown out of Nigeria following his deteriorating health condition.

Sources had told SaharaReporters that he was unable to sign official documents due to his health condition.

It was also learnt that to prevent pictures of the governor’s emaciated looks from getting out, the family asked security agents and a few politicians around him to put off their mobile phones.

The Ondo State government had thereafter confirmed the report, saying Akeredolu was indisposed but still alive and not dead, according to some unverified claims.