Betty Akeredolu, the widow of late Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, is facing harsh criticism after referring to Nigeria as a “zoo country” on social media. Her remark came while comparing the lengthy vote counting process of Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election to the swift results in the U.S. election. In response to a comment lamenting Nigeria’s issues, she posted, “Very bitter indeed! Who will rescue Nigeria? What a zoo country.”
Her statements have sparked widespread backlash, with many accusing her of being ungrateful and hypocritical. Critics pointed out that as the wife of a prominent figure who benefited from the country’s system, her comment was inappropriate and divisive.
Social media users quickly condemned her remarks. One user, CitizenOlu, labelled her a “tribal bigot,” linking her comments to separatist sentiments. Another, Iyo Obietonbara, criticized her for denouncing a nation that provided her opportunities, while others accused her of discrediting her late husband’s legacy.
In her attempts to defend her stance, Betty Akeredolu’s responses were met with more negative feedback. Some users argued that she contributed to the very system she criticized, highlighting her husband’s significant political roles as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and governor.
Another commenter, Diekololaoluwa, suggested that if her late husband were alive, he would distance himself from her due to her controversial statements, accusing her of dragging his name through the mud.
