“Why I Suspended Activities To Mark My 70th Birthday” –  Ondo State First Lady

By Gideon Njoku

Ondo State First Lady, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has suspended, till further notice, activities to mark her 70th birthday.

The cerebral scientist had, for weeks, along with her family and friends, been putting plans in place to mark her 70th birthday – a milestone not a few people disbelieve because she doesn’t look 70 years.

Slim, agile, active, athletic, Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu looks like she is in her late 50s.

She had set two days in July – the 15th and 20th – aside for the big bang. The 15th was to show what she knows best how to do – keep fit by engaging in sporting activities.

On that day, she had planned what she called “Jog & Thon” – a 15km jog to kick off her birthday activities.

But on Sunday, July 9, 2023, she tweeted the suspension, till further notice, of activities lined-up to mark her 70th birthday.

In the tweet which she addressed to family and friends, she said she suspended the celebration “due to unforeseen circumstances beyond my control.”  She, also apologized to them for any inconveniences caused by the development and gave an assurance that she would still be celebrated on her return – a subtle hint that she was traveling out of the country.

“Nevertheless, be assured that I will be celebrated in style upon my return”, she said

Her full text reads:

“Hello Family and Friends.

This is to inform you that all activities lined up to mark my 70th birthday are hereby suspended till further notice due to unforeseen circumstances beyond my control. Sorry for any inconvenience caused by this development.

“Nevertheless, be assured that I will be celebrated in style upon my return.  Thank you for your understanding.

I remain Arabinrin a.k.a Ada Owere I.”

Even though she didn’t mention it, the belief is strong that the ceremony was suspended due to the ill-health of her husband, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State.

The Governor has been ill, and on medical leave. He handed over power to his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, but had planned to resume duties on July 6, 2023. However, a few days ago in a message to Ondo people where he thanked them for their prayers for his recovery and love and loyalty shown him, he assured of his full recovery, but added that he would come back only when his doctors allow him to.

He, also, appreciated President Bola Tinubu and his colleague-Governors for their support.

Said an Ondo State elder statesman: “I knew the First Lady would never celebrate her birthday in her husband’s absence. Those two are very close.They are too much into each other. She postponed the celebration because of her husband’s absence. She would rather be by his side.”