Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the widow of the late Rotimi Akeredolu, former governor of Ondo State, has sparked intense criticism after referring to Nigeria as a “zoo country” in a recent social media post.
Her comments, made via X (formerly Twitter), have ignited a wave of reactions from Nigerians, many of whom have called her out for her remarks.
Mrs. Akeredolu, who became the First Lady of Ondo State during her husband’s tenure, posted a comparison between the 2023 Nigerian presidential election and the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election.
In the post, she shared her thoughts on the challenges faced by Nigeria in managing its electoral process.
She wrote:
“Just thinking. 2023 Nigerian Presidential Election Total Votes Cast: 25 million Counting Duration: 5 days.
2024 U.S Presidential Election Total Votes Cast: 155 million Counting Duration: Approximately 10 hours.
Moral: When dishonesty is prioritised, simple things become difficult.”
This post generated diverse reactions from social media users, but it was her subsequent reply to a comment that led to a firestorm of criticism.
A user, Paulexy (@paul_oza), wrote:
“Truth is indeed bitter. I can understand the attacks on her. We are doomed in this country Nigeria.”
In response, Betty Akeredolu replied:
“Very bitter indeed! Who will rescue Nigeria? What a zoo country.”
Her reference to Nigeria as a “zoo country” did not sit well with many netizens, who quickly took to social media to express their anger and disappointment.
Critics lambasted her for using such a derogatory term to describe the country that, according to them, had afforded her opportunities throughout her life.
One user, CitizenOlu, accused her of being a tribalistic bigot, writing:
“Tribal Bigot Betty strikes again… using the same language as her beloved IPOB terrorists! This i***t benefitted from the country she abused as the wife of a governor in Ondo state! This same woman’s husband refused to hand over power to his deputy while sick because of her hunger for political power.”
Another critic, Iyo Obietonbara (@sankofa360), expressed dismay, stating:
“That a country has challenges doesn’t make it a zoo, especially when the country afforded you with the education and opportunities that has made you who you are. To refer to Nigeria with that word means you are a dimwit. An ingrate, who intends to pull down this country with your words, by causing the youths to lose hope in the country.
If this Republic is what you called it, it also means the state you and your husband governed is part of the jungle. Your attempt to use Ethnic hate/bigotry on those who are calling out your foolishness is lame.”
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Others shared similar sentiments, accusing her of disrespecting the legacy of her late husband, Rotimi Akeredolu, who served as governor for nearly eight years.
Khone (@kingkhone4real) wrote:
“You are just embarrassing yourself and your late husband. You are a beneficiary of a failed system. You and your husband contributed to the ruins. Nonsense.”
Diekololaoluwa (@YeyeOba001) was also critical, remarking:
“One thing I know is that if Rotimi Akeredolu comes back to this world again with his right senses, he will distance himself from you and people like you.
Late Rotimi made you relevant in life, but all you do is drag his name in the mud and disrespect his memories daily with your uncouth utterances. You need to do better.”
Lẹykìí (@Olalekanakogun) added:
“Zoo country? Same country your husband was SAN, NBA President, and went on to be Governor for close to 8yrs. Èé de bẹru Ọlọ́run, ìyá wá. This was ‘below the belt’ for a country that made you.”
The backlash continues to grow as Nigerians express their dissatisfaction with the former First Lady’s comments. While some defend her right to voice her opinion, many believe that her choice of words was inappropriate and disrespectful to the country that provided her with opportunities throughout her life.
