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Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the widow of former Ondo State Governor Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu, was repossessed by Prof. Wole Akeredolu, the younger brother of the deceased governor, in accordance with the customs and culture of the Igbo people. This was done by the family through Mgbafu Mkpe.
Mgbafu Mkpe is a traditional Igbo ceremony performed shortly after the demise and burial of a woman's husband in Igbo land. The family of the woman's husband would indicate interest in still having the widow live with them or not. After fulfilling certain rites, the in-laws would return the widow to the husband's family after she said yes. If the husband's family declines, there are additional customs followed to release the woman from her husband's family.
The Anyanwu family decided to give their daughter to Aketi's younger brother, Wole Akeredolu, during the repossession celebration, which took place on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at the Emeabiam Community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
The highlight of the ceremony was the handover to the Akeredolus once again. This came after the Akeredolus expressed a desire for Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the Ada Owere 1, to remain a member of their family following her husband's passing.
As required by tradition, the Akeredolus gave food to the Anyanwus before presenting the Umuegeolu kindred with kola nuts, palm wine, and a she-goat.
Replying on behalf of the Akeredolus, Prof. Wole Akeredolu thanked the Umuegeolu kindred, the family, and the entire Emeabiam Community for hospitality. He officially notified them of his older brother's passing and their in-law's subsequent burial. He promised to take care of Betty, their wife, and continue to feed her.
Additionally, he thanked everyone who had traveled to Ibadan, Oyo State, to offer condolences to the Akeredolu family and to Owo to see the burial of Governor Akeredolu's remains on February 23, 2024.
After the ceremony, the former first lady remained silent, indicating that the mourning period was still ongoing. She was wearing a black gown with white stripes and a dark sun shade. The ceremony was attended by Umuegeolu family members, Nde Mgboto Emeabiamn (Daughters of the Soil), and Oha n'Ikoro Emeabiam (elders council).
Mrs. Akeredolu, on the other hand, posted photos of the ceremony on her Instagram account, in which the Umuegeolu family handed her over to her late husband's immediate younger brother, indicating that she is still a member of the Akeredolu family.
Remember that the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, also known as Aketi, passed away in December 2023 after a battle with cancer. He was buried in February 2024. His Owerri in-laws held the traditional Mgbafu Mkpe ceremony for his widow, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, several weeks after his burial.
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