Former Ondo State first lady Betty Anyanwu calls Yoruba people “Nde Ofenmanu”

November 14, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

The former First Lady of Ondo State, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has sparked controversy with her recent statements, referring to the Yoruba people from her late husband tribe as “Nde Ofenmanu.”

This term which literally mean “people of palm oil soup” has been met with backlash, particularly from those who perceive it as a derogatory statement.

Betty on her X page stated that she was attacked by her “harmless observation on Nigerian and US presidential elections”.

She wrote, “I made an honest but harmless observation on Nigerian and US presidential elections, twitter is now on, Kilode?.

“Obviously, truth hurts and hurts with tribal colouration. Tufiakwa! Look at the attacks.

“The Igbophobia is so thick and vicious. And by association as my darling husband, Aketi was not spared. Infact, to his people, nde ofenmanu, Aketi was an Igboman and very quickly, they would sweep under the carpet his bold and courageous role” She tweets.

In her address, Betty emphasized the need for constructive discussion around Nigeria’s electoral issues, stating, “Honestly, this issue raised is topical aiming to agitate like minds to discuss and find solution to our electoral misdeeds.”

She stressed that everyone in the political sphere, including voters, contributes to electoral malfeasance.

Betty reflected on her own political experience, noting, “I have been in politics since 2007, way before my husband even thought about it.”

According to her, she contested under ANPP to represent Owerri Federal Constituency at the House of Rep in 2007.

Regarding her late husband’s legacy, she said, “Aketi’s legacy in Ondo State is there for even the blind to see and bigoted to feel.”

She criticized those attacking her and her husband, observing, “The Igbophobia is so thick and vicious… Those deplorable bullies can’t succeed no matter how hard they try” she said.

“Let me be clear, Aketi’s legacy is written in gold on the marble, in case they didn’t know. As for their bad mouth against me, dem go taya!” She mentioned.