Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu's family has spoken out to deny rumors that she is married to her brother-in-law, Prof Wole Akeredolu.
In a statement posted on social media, Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu clarified that bloggers had misrepresented a story about traditional rituals that took place in her hometown in Imo State after the burial of her late husband, former Ondo State governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
The statement clarified that the rituals were customary for the wife of a deceased person in the Igbo culture, and that during the ceremony, Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu was handed over to Prof Wole Akeredolu as per tradition.
However, the statement emphasized that this did not mean that they were married, and that reports suggesting otherwise were false and a misrepresentation of the facts.
Explaining what transpired at Anyanwu-Akeredolu’s hometown, the statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to the twist being given to our story entitled; ‘Aketi Eternal: Emeabiam Community Performs Mgbafu Mgbe Rite For Widow’.
“For the benefit of those who are not familiar with the story, Aketi is the nickname of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, the former Governor of Ondo State who passed away in December 2023.
“He was married to the former First Lady of Ondo State, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, Ada Owere 1.
“According to the tradition of the Igbo especially the people of Imo State, Mgbafu Mkpe ceremony must be held after the death and burial of the husband of their daughter.
“The Mgbafu Mkpe ceremony of Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu was held on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the serene Emeabiam Community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
“The ceremony held at her ancestral compound in Umuikea Emeabiam Community. During the ceremony, Mr. Herbert Igbo representing the Umuegeolu Kindred handed over the former first lady to the immediate younger brother to her late husband, Prof Wole Akeredolu as tradition stipulates.
“This was after the Akeredolus had indicated interest to have Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu still live with them. Some rituals were carried out to seal the handover.
“It is therefore to our utter surprise to read posts made by bloggers, many of whom depended on our story, claiming that Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu is now married to Prof Akeredolu as his wife.
“This is totally false and a clear misrepresentation of what actually transpired during the ceremony.”
The statement said the report did not suggest that Prof Akeredolu married Anyanwu-Akeredolu at the ceremony or afterwards.