The wife of the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Oluwaseun Esther Aiyedatiwa, has denied the wife battery allegations against her husband or any form of domestic violence incidents in her marriage.

Recall that a group, Society for Women Empowerment, recently gave her husband, Seun Ayedatiwa, 7 days ultimatum to apologise to his wife for beating her.

Although, the deputy governor has refuted the claims through his media aide, Kenneth Odusola, when he had never raised a hand to hit his wife since they got married, while describing the allegation as baseless, false, nothing but political blackmail taken too far,” to cause political unrest in the state.

In what appeared to be a response to a recent release attributed to the deputy governor’s wife, Mrs. Aiyedatiwa has debunked the claims saying she didn’t know any group.

Read the full statement below.

Good day everyone.
Let me start this short message by thanking all those who have in the last few days reached out to me or tried to in the light of all the negative reports flying around about me and my marriage. I thank family members, friends and well wishers for their concerns about fake news in the media written about me, alleging that I suffered consistent domestic violence in the hands of my husband, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
I wish to state categorically that this is a lie from the pit of hell. I do not know the group behind this falsehood and I have never, either directly or indirectly, given anyone authorisation to speak on my behalf.
I do not know where this story came from and I want to tell members of the public to disregard it because it is nothing but a lie fabricated by our enemies to dent the image of my husband and drag our family in the mud for political reasons.
I also want to dissociate myself from the facebook page opened in my name and being used to spread and give legitimacy to this falsehood. It is not being operated by me.
The purported statement sent out today with my name as the author, detailing what they said were incidents between me and my husband, also did not emanate from me. It is a known fact that once in a blue moon, misunderstanding which is common to every marriage happens.
I want to urge those using blackmail and lies to settle political scores to please find another job and leave my husband alone. He is a complete gentleman, great husband and wonderful father but not without his own weakness because nobody is perfect. He has been a good servant of the people of Ondo State and very loyal Deputy to his principal.
Once again, I do not have any issues with my husband and our family is doing fine.
Thank you.
Signed:
H.E. Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa
Wife of the Deputy Governor,
Ondo State.
7th June, 2023.

Earlier in the day, a release was attributed to her which ran contrary to the one above, which supported the claims of domestic assault on her person.

She allegedly faulted her husband’s defence over allegation of assault, maintaining that she is a serial victim of abuse in his hand.

The statement which alleged to have been written by her from London entitled, “My Ordeal At The Hands Of Lucky” on June 7, 2023, the wife was reported to have narrated her experience, adding that she could no longer endure his temperament.

According to her, she had endured physical, emotional, and mental abuse from her husband—beatings, torture, and constant mistreatment.

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Excerpt:

“I have come across numerous comments regarding the statement released by the Women Group, the Society for Women Empowerment (SWE).
“Although I cannot ascertain the existence of the group or the true intentions behind the story, I feel it is important to express my pain for the sake of other women.
“I am a woman who deeply respects and supports my husband. Our story, like many others, has been one of grace and growth. While I am sociable, I am always mindful of my husband’s position. I have dedicated myself to nurturing our home and children, as any wife and mother would. I have done so with unwavering strength.
“Prior to Lucky’s appointment as the deputy governor, we had ongoing issues revolving around abusive behavior. Each time, he would apologize, often attributing his actions to alcohol. Our children have witnessed this on two occasions. They implored me to have him arrested, but I explained that Nigerian culture does not provide room for such measures.
“I am not happy about revealing my personal struggles publicly. It is a painful reality I must confront. I have reached the conclusion that concerted efforts must be made to eradicate the scourge of violence against women. I have endured physical, emotional, and mental abuse from my husband—beatings, torture, and constant mistreatment.
“On December 1, 2022, during a minor argument, I experienced one of the most severe beatings of my life at the hands of my husband. I was left bruised and battered, to the extent that I could not attend the birthday ceremony of Toyin Akeredolu, the younger sister of Governor Akeredolu, in Ibadan. He threatened to kill me, uttering words of disdain.
“On Friday, December 2, I traveled to Ibadan to meet with the First Lady, Chief Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu, to report Lucky’s actions. When she saw my battered face, she was enraged. She subsequently reported Lucky to the Governor. Lucky used to be the First Lady’s favorite, but since that day, she has distanced herself from him.
“Upon returning to Akure, even with my bruised face, Lucky slapped me again. He accused me of exposing him to the Governor and First Lady. He not only slapped me but also poured Hennessy on my head, berating me as a worthless woman.
“A few days before the FOWOSO summit, I was burdened with depression and numerous issues. I had already made up my mind not to attend the program. However, Lucky approached me, pleaded, and promised never to harm me again. I had to apply heavy makeup and wear dark glasses to conceal the bruises on my face, just to attend the event.
“By the end of January, Lucky resumed his abusive behavior. As much as I am a strong supporter of his aspirations to succeed the Governor, I have consistently advised him to exhibit decorum in his public life.
“Every time I mentioned this, he dismissed it as jealousy and insecurity, showing no regard for my feelings. Disrespectful calls were frequently received at our home, especially from one Ambassador Tolu Taiwo, one of his girlfriends.
“During the first week of February, we had a conversation about his political aspirations, and I advised him to refrain from making certain remarks to people. Instead of considering my advice, he unleashed his anger on me, subjecting me to further physical abuse. He threatened to kill me and make another woman the First Lady when he becomes Governor.
“Lucky not only assaulted me but also locked me out of the house. I had to spend two nights at St. Jacob Hotel. He instructed the gatekeeper not to allow me entry. From there, I had to travel to Lagos and eventually moved to Ilesa, my hometown.
“After being locked out, my driver eventually went to the house to retrieve my bag, which contained my passport. Since then, I have relocated to London.
“I am aware that Lucky may attempt to deny this story once again. However, I urge you to question him: Why have I not refuted the allegations of his abuse?
“He is my husband, and no woman would want to falsely accuse her spouse. If he claims that all of this is untrue, ask him to call me and put our conversation on speaker. He is well aware of my position on this matter. I refuse to continue hiding and suffering in silence.
“Once again, the First Lady is fully aware of this situation.
If Lucky denies it once more, I will come out with pictures and videos, no matter how humiliating it sounds. I am taking this step because I can no longer endure this situation silently.”

Rtn. Victor Ojelabi

Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.