No marriage between Akeredolu’s widow, younger brother, says family

“The Mgbafu Mkpe ceremony of Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu was held on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at the serene Emeabiam Community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.

“The ceremony held at her ancestral compound in Umuikea Emeabiam Community. During the ceremony, Mr. Herbert Igbo representing the Umuegeolu Kindred handed over the former first lady to the immediate younger brother to her late husband, Prof Wole Akeredolu as tradition stipulates.

“This was after the Akeredolus had indicated interest to have Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu still live with them. Some rituals were carried out to seal the handover.

“It is therefore to our utter surprise to read posts made by bloggers, many of whom depended on our story, claiming that Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu is now married to Prof Akeredolu as his wife.

“This is totally false and a clear misrepresentation of what actually transpired during the ceremony. We don’t want to believe this sensational plank given to the story is deliberate. It stems solely from ignorance of the full import of the tradition of the people since most of the bloggers do not hail from the area.

“However, it is usually good to seek clarification whenever one is in doubt.

“Note that our story did not suggest or assert that Prof Wole Akeredolu is the husband of Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu. He did not remarry her either at the ceremony or afterwards.”