Demola Olarewaju, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has strongly condemned what he labels a disturbing blend of misogyny and ethnocentrism directed at Betty Akeredolu, the wife of late Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, following recent events.
In a statement, Olarewaju pointedly criticized the societal tendency to unfairly scrutinize and cast suspicion on women, particularly in times of tragedy involving a man.
Olarewaju was reacting to a viral video by an APC chieftain who accused Mrs Akeredolu of neglecting her husband during his last days while referring to her tribe.
He highlighted the prevalent patriarchal lens that often directs unwarranted attention toward wives or mothers in such circumstances.
The PDP stalwart emphasized that the situation surrounding Betty Akeredolu has been further complicated by what he perceives as “APC Yoruba ethnic supremacism,” citing biases directed at Mrs Akeredolu due to her Igbo ethnicity.
Olarewaju vehemently defended Mrs Akeredolu’s position, citing her pivotal role in Governor Akeredolu’s life and her evident support during his political journey.
He stressed the importance of granting the grieving family the respect and space they deserve during their mourning, reiterating that her support and contributions were acknowledged through the ballot box.
His words:
“The attempted drag on Betty Akeredolu is a sordid mix of misogyny and ethnocentrism…rarely seen.
“The average patriarchal lens in the death of any man will first turn to his wife or his mother or some other woman around him. And then you add the APC Yoruba ethno-supremacism because this particular woman is Igbo.
“If she was good enough for Aketi and Ondo, people twice voted him with her as his wife. APC folks, who all along excused the messy affair, should rest and let the man’s family be.”
