Who will End the Animosity Between Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Betty Akeredolu?

Peace is sweet and always comes before prosperity. Somebody needs to tell the power holders in Ondo State that this is not just a verse of the National Anthem, but a principle of life. Regarding the issue between the incumbent governor of Ondo and his former boss’s wife, hasn’t the time come to bury hatchets and shake hands?

The emergence of Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the forthcoming Ondo State governorship election might not sit well with Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the widow of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. The internal family dynamics and political complexities surrounding Aiyedatiwa’s ascension to power, particularly during the leadership crisis amid her late husband’s illness, likely fuelled Betty’s dissatisfaction with the outcome of the primaries.

Betty’s past Instagram post, in which she criticised Funke Akeredolu Aruna, her late husband’s niece, for supporting Aiyedatiwa, shows the familial rifts and lingering tensions within the Akeredolu family. Her description of Funke as a “bloody serpent” cannot be forgotten, as it reflects the deep-seated animosity and distrust that allegedly pervades the family’s relationships, especially in matters related to politics and power.

Therefore, the victory of Aiyedatiwa in the primaries further exacerbates his strained relationship with Lady Betty. Betty’s reportedly opposition to Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, coupled with her accusations of betrayal during her late husband’s illness, indicates a profound rift that may prove challenging to mend.

Resolving the conflict between the incumbent governor and Betty will require careful navigation and diplomatic intervention. Trusted mediators or family members may need to start discussions to address underlying grievances and find common ground. If they will work, all reconciliation efforts must be sensitive to the personal animosities involved and prioritise the restoration of harmony between Aiyedatiwa and Lady Betty.

At this time, APC needs this reconciliation to hold its place as the primary state party. So, what will it be – a repaired relationship or possible handing over of the governorship mantle?