Aketi at 70: Aiyedatiwa’s gesture melts ice as Betty Akeredolu hails governor — by Mayegun Oloriegbe
Yesterday at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, the posthumous 70th birthday colloquium of the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, became far more than a remembrance. It transformed into a powerful statement of solidarity, healing, reconciliation and collective honour for the Aketi family – a great day and defining moment for Ondo State.
At the centre of the moment was Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, whose statesmanship rose to celestial heights, demonstrating the kind of political gesture and maturity that is often praised in theory but rarely celebrated when it happens in practice. In a room filled with dignitaries, in a moment that melted every lingering political frost, the Governor affectionately and publicly described Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, widow of his late principal, as his “political godmother.”
Against the background of their past political disagreements, the depth of that remarkable recognition, delivered with sincerity and humility, carried a significance that went beyond the words themselves and moved the entire hall. It was a public recognition that yesterday’s disagreements need not become tomorrow’s permanent hostility. Dr. Betty’s response was equally telling. She rose, bowed gracefully and applauded the Governor. It was spontaneous, dignified and powerful- a moment that communicated louder than many carefully crafted political statements ever could.
It was the purest form of political grace, and Governor Aiyedatiwa deserves to be praised to the highest heavens for bridging divides and elevating the moment with such dignity and emotional intelligence.
The occasion was further strengthened by the presence of the Ondo State Government’s leadership, which underscored Governor Aiyedatiwa’s genuine commitment to unity and collective leadership. The entire State Executive Council, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti- one of the earliest and most punctual callers at the event- turned out in force.
Also present were the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Omojuwa; the APC State Chairman, Kolawole Babatunde; the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; commissioners; special advisers; party leaders; and other dignitaries. Their presence reflected the administration’s collective respect for Aketi’s memory and solidarity with his family.
Distinguished guests from across the South-West also attended, including Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, who delivered the keynote address, and former Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi, whose reflections on shared struggles and enduring friendship added depth to the occasion. The gathering brought together political leaders and associates whose relationships with Aketi had been shaped by different experiences, interests and, at times, disagreements. Yet they came together to honour his life and legacy.
One cannot help but wonder what those who have spent seasons accusing Governor Aiyedatiwa felt as they watched this scene unfold. The warmth of that mutual recognition between the Governor and Aketi’s widow must have stung their eyes. The spontaneous bow and applause from Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu must have silenced the loud narratives they had spun. In Yoruba parlance, they would say, “Ojú wọn á bó”- their eyes will be covered in shame.
There is a hard truth here. Some people have built their entire political relevance around disagreements they did not create and cannot resolve. Their value lies not in ideas, competence, service or the capacity to build, but in keeping tensions alive, amplifying grievances and ensuring that yesterday’s quarrel becomes tomorrow’s political emergency. Once reconciliation begins, their influence begins to shrink. So they look for another disagreement to inflame, another relationship to poison and another imaginary battle to announce.
Therefore, this should serve as a lasting lesson: never fight a war whose beginning you do not understand. Those of you who thrive on manufacturing and amplifying political spats, often for personal gain, relevance or the crumbs that fall from engineered conflict, are the real authors of the tension- àwọn onijẹkujẹ.
They did it with Aiyedatiwa and Betty; now the same restless hands are at work inventing an imaginary war between Aiyedatiwa and BTO. Let them exercise restraint. Not every difference is a crisis, not every political relationship requires a fight, and not every rumour deserves the dignity of a response. Those who genuinely care about Ondo State will encourage constructive engagement, not turn every interaction among political leaders into a contest of hostility.
The people of Ondo are watching, and grace has a way of exposing those who profit from discord. In that hall in Ibadan, Ondo State presented a better image of its political life – united, gracious and proud. It was, indeed, a great day for the Sunshine State.
Oloriegbe (JP) is the Convener, The Progressives Counsel
