How I Met Akerelou 37 Years Ago, Betty Akeredolu Reveals
Betty Akeredolu, widow of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has revealed how he came across his husband, Rotimi Akeredolu, about 36 years ago.
She stated that she was a serving corp member as Akeredolu when they met in Enugu, about 37 years ago.
Betty stated she decided to marry Akeredolu who was not rich then, and younger than her because she had a love for him and she had wanted to build her home from scratch with anyone she would marry.
Mrs Betty Akeredolu wrote the memo in remembrance of how she started with his late husband, Governor Rótìmí Akeredolu, who died yesterday after a prolonged illness.
She said, “I met my husband in Enugu, he was a youth corper then in Enugu.
I was also posted to Enugu. So a friend of mine visited me and she came along with her boyfriend who also came along with my husband.
That was how we met and it was love at first sight. I think people frown at love at first sight but it worked for us.
“I fell in love with his broad shoulders. Then he was really looking very cute. I can still remember what he was wearing that day – a red shirt, long sleeves and jeans trousers.
That was 37 years ago. He couldn’t even take me out because he didn’t have money as a youth corper. It was quite magnetic and that was it.
“There is a 3-year age difference between us. I am older than him anyway. I was like 25 then while he was 22. It was love that really endured.
I had graduated and in my place (Owerri) when a girl graduates from the University suitors come from left, right, and center.
And your parents would expect you to go for a made man with everything, but I have always known that there was no way I could have married a self-made man. I will better build a home from scratch with you because I want to have a say in my home.
“Rest On Aketi,” Mrs Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu, Former First Lady of Ondo State wrote.
