In Emebiam Community of Owerri West Local Government Area in Imo State, the widow of the late Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has been officially welcomed back into the Akeredolu family. This important decision was taken by the Umuegeolu family who symbolically handed her over to her late husband’s younger brother, Professor Wole Akeredolu.
Rotimi Akeredolu, who tragically passed away in December 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer, was succeeded by his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and laid to rest in February 2024. After upon his burial, the traditional Mgbafu Mkpe ceremony for Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the late widow of the governor, occurred on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Owerri West Local Government Area .
The ceremony was marked by solemnity and reverence as the Akeredolu family, according to tradition, offered the customary offerings of kolanut, palm wine and a female goat to the Umuegeolu family. The climax of the event was when Betty was officially handed over to Professor Wole Akeredolu, expressing the family’s wish to continue embracing her as one of their own even after her husband’s death.
In his response, Professor Wole Akeredolu expressed his profound gratitude to the Umuegeolu family and the entire Emebiam Community for their unwavering support and hospitality. He reiterated the Akeredolu family’s steadfast commitment to the care and support of Betty, and acknowledged the solidarity shown during the period of mourning and burial held in Owo.
Throughout the ceremony, Betty, wearing a somber black dress with white stripes and dark sunglasses, maintained a quiet presence, symbolizing the ongoing period of mourning. Attendees included members of the Umuegeolu family, Nde Mgboto Emebiam (Daughters of the Land) and Oha n’Ikoro Emebiam (Council of Elders), all of whom gathered to witness and Participate in this important cultural event.
The Mgbafu Mkpe ceremony, which has deep roots in Igbo tradition, is of great significance as it marks the transition of a widow back to her husband’s family after his death.
