Betty Akeredolu, the former First Lady of Ondo State, has faced intense backlash after referring to Nigeria as “a zoo country that is beyond redemption.”
The controversy began when Mrs. Akeredolu, whose husband, Rotimi Akeredolu, passed away in office on December 27, 2023, made a comparison between the Nigerian and U.S. presidential elections on her X account. In her post, she wrote:
“Just thinking. 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.
Moral: When dishonesty is prioritised, simple things become difficult.”
While the post generated mixed reactions, one comment from a user, Paulexy (@paul_oza), caught her attention.
The user commented, “Truth is indeed bitter. I can understand the attacks on her. We are doomed in this country Nigeria.”
In her reply, Mrs. Akeredolu stated, “Very bitter indeed! Who will rescue Nigeria? What a zoo country.”
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The use of the term “zoo country” provoked strong criticism, with many accusing the former First Lady of disrespecting the country that gave her so much. She was labeled a tribalistic bigot, among other derogatory terms.
Efforts by Mrs. Akeredolu to defend her statement only fueled the backlash.
Critics pointed out that she had benefited from the very system she now criticized. Some comments included:
“Tribal Bigot Betty strikes again… using the same language as her beloved IPOB terrorists! This idiot 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.” — CitizenOlu
“Just because a country has challenges doesn’t make it a zoo, especially when that country gave you the education and opportunities that made you who you are. To refer to Nigeria like that means you’re a dimwit. You’re an ingrate, trying to pull down this country with your words and cause the youth to lose hope.” — Iyo Obietonbara (@sankofa360)
“You are just embarrassing yourself and your late husband. You and your husband contributed to the ruins. Nonsense.” — Khone (@kingkhone4real)
“Rotimi Akeredolu would disown you if he came back with his senses. You drag his name in the mud and disrespect his memory every day with your foolish remarks. You need to do better.” — Diekololaoluwa (@YeyeOba001)
“Zoo country? The same country that made your husband SAN, NBA President, and Governor for close to 8 years? Have some respect for the country that gave you so much.” — Director Lẹykìí (@Olalekanakogun)
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