Betty Akeredolu, widow of ex Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, has condemned plans by the state government to hold a memorial lecture in his honor, accusing officials of sidelining the family.

The lecture, scheduled for Friday in Akure as part of events marking the first anniversary of Akeredolu’s death, was to feature legal luminary Femi Falana (SAN) as the guest speaker. However, Betty Akeredolu took to her X account to disown the event, stating that her family was neither involved in its planning nor invited.

“Which legacy? Lecture, my foot! This is not for Aketi because my family and I are not aware. You cannot weep more than the bereaved,” she wrote, describing the event as a propaganda tool to tarnish her husband’s legacy and exploit his name for financial gain.

In her post, she accused officials of hypocrisy, alleging that those close to her family were ostracized after her husband’s death, only for the government to now organize a memorial lecture.

Reacting to her claims, the Chief Press Secretary to acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan, dismissed the allegations, maintaining that the family was formally invited.

He emphasized that the event was part of efforts to honor the former governor’s contributions to the state.

“There is no dispute. Akeredolu was not just a family man; he served as governor and deserves to be celebrated. The family has been invited to participate in the program,” Adeniyan said.

The unfolding dispute has sparked mixed reactions across Ondo State, with many questioning the motives behind the memorial lecture and the apparent rift between the government and the Akeredolu family.