- Betty Akeredolu’s "zoo" comment stirred controversy following her comparison of Nigeria's election system to the United States
- Social media reactions emerged, with many Nigerians weighing in on her harsh critique of the country's political environment
- TheRadar compiled public reactions below
A wave of reactions has followed the recent statement by Betty Akeredolu, the immediate past first lady of Ondo State, who described Nigeria as a "zoo."
Akeredolu stated this on Wednesday, November 14, through her X (formerly Twitter) account, where she drew a comparison between Nigeria's presidential election and that of the United States.
Betty Akeredolu compares Nigeria’s 2023 election to US
“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: Approx. 10 hours.
“Moral: When dishonesty is prioritised, simple things become difficult.”
Replying to one of her followers, @paul_ozah who said, “Truth is indeed bitter. I can understand the attacks on her. We are doomed in this country Nigeria,” Betty Akeredolu commented, “Very bitter indeed! Who will rescue Nigeria? What a zoo country!”
Former Ondo governor passed away after illness
The comment has sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians taking to social media to voice their opinions on her choice of words.
Betty Akeredolu’s husband, Rotimi Akeredolu, the former governor of Ondo State, passed away on December 27, 2023, after a long battle with illness. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akeredolu had frequently travelled abroad for medical treatment during his second term.
In September 2023, he returned to Nigeria after a three-month medical leave in Germany, but instead of returning to Ondo State, he remained in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. It was only after his death that the family revealed he had been suffering from prostate cancer.
Nigerians react to Betty Akeredolu’s ‘zoo’ statement
Betty Akeredolu’s statement has drawn a range of reactions across Nigeria, with some criticising her for her strong language, while others have supported her, agreeing that the country’s political system often feels chaotic and dysfunctional.
TheRadar compiled public reactions below:
“Zoo country? 👀 Same country your husband was SAN, NBA President, and went on to be Governor for close to 8yrs?????!!!!!Èé de bẹru Ọlọ́run, ìyá wá.💔 This was "below the belt" for a country that made you!” Director Leykii stated.
“Welcome back to your ipob factory default setting. Once you guys are no longer in power Nigeria is a zoo but once you see a chance to grab power your become emergency Nigerians,” Bimbo Branet reacted.
“Madam, you tweet to dishonor and discredit your husband good deeds. History will not be kind to you,” Adoskol World stated.
“This IPOB vibe from a former first Lady of a SW state is disgraceful. This is unfair to the memory of your late husband,” Dr Adebodun Fakayode added.
“All because she called out the Fraud in the last presidential election?. Una too mumu,” Truth reacted.
“When we say Yorubas should avoid marrying Ibos, they’ll call it tribalism. There’s something abnormal and primitive about these people. If you want to live long, stick with an Omoluabi. E get why,” DarkGrey reacted.
“Una better hold this Nitwit called Betty before she enter market.... Be like she don craze 🤣🤣🤣 Suddenly 9ja has become a Zoo after you looted the state dry. Olé paraku,” Bling Lagosian reacted.
“What’s unfair about it? for speaking the truth? even she’s has benefited from the shabby system b4 does that mean one shouldn’t speak the reality,” Street General added.
“Where did you get PhD ma,” HighChief reacted.
“Even your late husband cannot say this. Uselessness has a new meaning in you,” Oluwatola Omoluabi added.
“Preparing for War?”: Nigerians react as Police deploy 12,500 officers, others for Ondo election
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Nigerians raised concerns following the Nigeria Police Force's announcement of a large-scale deployment of security personnel for the Ondo State governorship election.
TheRadar compiled public reactions following the announcement.