Betty Akeredolu Remarries: Joins Akeredolu Family Through Union with Late Governor’s Brother, Professor Wole Akeredolu.
Chief Betty Akeredolu remarried Professor Wole Akeredolu, the immediate younger brother of the late Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.
Professor Akeredolu, the younger brother of the late governor, traveled to Imo to marry his late brother’s wife, ensuring she remains a part of the Akeredolu family.
The weather on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Emeabiam Community, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, was exceptionally pleasant. Despite the prevailing heatwave experienced nationwide this year, the elements seemed to have aligned to create a comfortable atmosphere for the occasion.
Read Also : Why does Israel keep launching attacks in Syria?
The venue for the event was the late Chief BUB and Nneoma Dora Anyanwu’s compound at Umuikea Emeabiam, where the traditional Mgbafu Mkpe ceremony was held in honor of Her Excellency, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu. Chief Betty was the wife of the late Governor of Ondo State, Arankurin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, who sadly passed away in December 2023.
During the ceremony, Mr. Herbert Igbo, representing Umuegeolu Kindred, formally handed over Chief Betty to the immediate younger brother of the late Governor, Professor Wole Akeredolu. This symbolic gesture marked the continuation of the family’s traditions and the passing of responsibilities.
Despite the solemnity of the occasion, the cooperative weather and serene ambiance of Emeabiam Community provided a fitting backdrop for the ceremony, allowing attendees to pay their respects and honor the memory of Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu in a dignified manner.
The handover 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 some item 7 to BUB & Nneoma Dora Anyanwu’s family as tradition demands.
Responding on behalf of 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 in Ondo State to witness the interment of Gov Akeredolu’s remains on February 23, 2024.
In an interview, the Principal Adviser to Emebiam Elders Council, Chief Celestine Okoro expressed happiness at the successful performance of the ceremony. Though the mgbafu mkpe is an Igbo ceremony, Okoro submitted that it is peculiar to the people of Imo State.
Read Also : Senate Reacts to Over 240% Increase in Electricity Tariff
The former first lady, who was clad in a black gown with a touch of white stripes and dark sun shade, signalling 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), Babajide Akeredolu amongst others.
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.
