By Our Reporter
Reports have emerged that Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, wife of late Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has not remarried to her husband’s brother.
It was learnt that there were insinuations that Mrs Akeredolu had remarried to the immediate younger brother to her late husband, Prof Wole Akeredolu.
However, in a statement released on Saturday, Gele Agbai, Editor-in-chief for National Newsbreak Newspaper, clarified that what transpired was Mgbafu Mkpe rite for the widow.
The statement reads, “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,” the statement partly reads.