I’m now alone to face all manner of mockery – Akeredolu’s wife

“Now alone to face all manners of mockery from the so-called
friends and adversaries alike.

“Not a few lashed out that you were a weakling because you
loved me. Abego! Can an Amotekun generalissimo be a weakling? Mbanuu! It
doesn’t add up, nau.

“Haba! By the way, do they know what love is? I don’t think
so. In their homes, while growing up, they saw their mothers trampled upon as
doormats. Beaten up like punchbags.

“They copied the template and treated their wives as pieces
of furniture that can be easily degraded as trash.

“And in many instances, the subjugation was garnished with
beatings while the community looked the other way and remained unperturbed as
gender-based violence reigned supreme nationwide. In civilised climes, if you
beat your wife, jail awaits you, even if you are a governor.

“They marvel that a Nigerian man can love his wife. To them,
na only Oyibo man dey love. They are infuriated that a Yoruba man can love his
wife, who is Igbo. How can? Igbo lasan, lasan!

“To them, na only Oyibo man dey love. Na love at first sight
brought us together, biko. No, be Juju! Na, love, make me cross the Niger. That
love at first sight turned out to be true and pure. And you were proud to say
it. You were proud to show it. You were even prouder to tell the people of Ondo
State, and beyond that, we were a team. You were audacious to tell your people
that “you voted for one but got two.”.

“We differed on one aspect, though. Religion. You were
religious and wore your faith on your sleeves. I’m not. With no apologies. You
were frustrated. Yet, we managed to work it out by harnessing our communication
skills.

“You came to terms with my position on religion and
respected my choice of pragmatism. And a peaceful home we built by respecting
each other’s idiosyncrasies, supporting each other’s career pathways, and
loving each other at the same time.

“That you were courageous and fearless is now like a radio
jingle on the lips of all and sundry.”