‘Nigeria Is a Zoo Country’: says Betty Akeredolu

Betty Akeredolu, the former First Lady of Ondo State, has faced backlash after referring to Nigeria as “a zoo country that is beyond redemption.” Mrs. Akeredolu, whose husband, Rotimi Akeredolu, passed away in office on December 27, 2023, made the controversial remark while comparing Nigeria’s presidential election process to that of the United States on her X account.

In her post, Mrs. Akeredolu, who holds a PhD, 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 prioritized, simple things become difficult.”

The post sparked varied reactions online, but one comment from a user named Paulexy (@paul_oza) particularly caught her attention. He stated: “Truth is indeed bitter. I can understand the attacks on her. We are doomed in this country Nigeria.”

In response, Mrs. Akeredolu replied: “Very bitter indeed! Who will rescue Nigeria? What a zoo country.”

Her description of Nigeria as a “zoo country” did not sit well with many commenters, who criticized her heavily. Some labeled her a tribal bigot and used derogatory terms against her. Attempts by Mrs. Akeredolu to defend herself only led to more abuse.

One commenter, CitizenOlu, wrote: “Tribal Bigot Betty strikes again… using the same language as her beloved IPOB terrorists! This i***t 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.”

Similarly, Iyo Obietonbara (@sankofa360) commented: “That a country has challenges doesn’t make it a zoo, especially when the country afforded you with the education and opportunities that have made you who you are.“To refer to Nigeria with that word means you are a dimwit.

An ingrate, who intends to pull down this country with your words, by causing the youths to lose hope in the country.“If this Republic is what you called it, it also means the state you and your husband governed is part of the jungle. Your attempt to use Ethnic hate/bigotry on those who are calling out your foolishness is lame.”

Khone (@kingkhone4real) also criticized her: “You are just embarrassing yourself and your late husband. You are a beneficiary of a failed system. You and your husband contributed to the ruins. Nonsense.”

Diekololaoluwa (@YeyeOba001) added: “One thing I know is that if Rotimi Akeredolu comes back to this world again with his right senses, he will distance himself from you and people like you.“Late Rotimi made you relevant in life, but all you do is drag his name in the mud and disrespect his memories daily with your uncouth utterances. You need to do better.”

Finally, Director Lẹykìí (@Olalekanakogun) remarked: “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.”