My World Came Crashing”: Akeredolu’s Widow Pens Heart-Wrenching Tribute Three Years After His Death

In a heartfelt tribute posted on her verified Facebook page on Friday, Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu described December 26, 2023, as the moment her world “came crashing,” noting that the pain of losing her husband remains difficult to fully grasp, even years later.

She reflected on their marriage as a union strengthened by mutual respect beyond ethnic differences, explaining that although she is Igbo and her late husband was Yoruba, their diversity deepened their bond rather than weakened it. She noted that Akeredolu fully understood and embraced her identity, a quality she said defined their partnership and unity.

Beyond personal loss, the former First Lady of Ondo State used the tribute to express concern over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, warning that the crisis has deteriorated to a point where discussions about foreign intervention have become increasingly common, a development she described as deeply troubling.

Recalling her husband’s leadership, Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu highlighted his pivotal role in addressing insecurity in the South-West, describing him as a fearless figure who played a key role in the establishment of the regional security outfit, Amotekun. She noted that his influence continues to resonate across both urban centres and rural communities.

She further lamented that many of the national issues her husband consistently raised, particularly his calls for restructuring and reform of Nigeria’s governance system, remain unresolved. According to her, Akeredolu persistently challenged the Nigerian state to renegotiate and reinvent itself, warnings she said have largely gone unheeded.

She concluded her tribute by affirming that although her husband is gone, his ideals and legacy endure, stressing that his vision continues to inspire many across the country.

Late Akeredolu, SAN, was a distinguished lawyer and politician who served as Governor of Ondo State from 2017 to 2023. He was widely known for his outspoken leadership, advocacy for true federalism, and his role in spearheading the South-West regional security network, Amotekun. He passed away on December 27, 2023, at the age of 67, following a prolonged battle with leukaemia and prostate cancer.