‘It Means The State You And Your Husband Led Is Part Of The Jungle’ – Akeredolu’s Widow Under Fire Over Zoo Statement

Former Ondo State First Lady, Mrs. Betty Akeredolu, has come under heavy criticism for referring to Nigeria as “a zoo country that is beyond redemption.”

Akeredolu, the widow of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, made the remark on her X account (formerly Twitter) while comparing Nigeria’s electoral process to that of the United States.

In her post, Akeredolu, a PhD holder, highlighted the differences in vote counting between the two countries.

“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,” she wrote, adding, “Moral: When dishonesty is prioritised, simple things become difficult.”

While her post drew mixed reactions, a user named Paulexy commented, “Truth is indeed bitter. I can understand the attacks on her. We are doomed in this country Nigeria,” prompted a response from Akeredolu herself. “Very bitter indeed! Who will rescue Nigeria? What a zoo country,” she replied.

Akeredolu’s “zoo country” remark ignited a backlash, with many accusing her of disrespect and insensitivity. She was labelled a “tribalistic bigot” among other harsh descriptors by netizens who saw her comment as inflammatory.

See some reactions below:

Okikiolu John @Jonneto2 wrote, “From the wife of a former governor o. Hmmm. Speaks volumes about character.”

@CitizenOlu wrote, “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.”

Iyo Obietonbara @sankofa360 said, “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.”

Khone @kingkhone4real said, “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.”

For Diekololaoluwa @YeyeOba001 wrote, “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.”

For Director Lẹykìí@Olalekanakogun, “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.”

Adoskol World @adoskol_w wrote, “Madam, you tweet to dishonour and discredit your husband’s good deeds. History will not be kind to you.”