Darlin,…
It’s me, your adorable Betty.
You just left me
Just like that!
It hurts
Badly it hurts
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.
A beg o! Can an Amotekun generalssimo 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 discarded 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”.
A testimony of my positive contribution to your life and career, emotionally and intellectually.

We differed on one aspect, though. Religion. Your 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 are now like a radio jingle on the lips of all and sundry.
As a partner, you were kind and playful but annoying sometimes with your jokes which became normal over the years given that trying to change you from cracking expensive jokes was an exercise in futility.
During our early years of marriage when we started from the scratch, you made sure we didn’t lack. You took care of me and the children. With time, you became the best husband, dad and grandpa any wife, child or grandchild would wish for.

Aketi’s tribute to Betty @60 on July 20, 2013 gives the reader an insight into the marriage of 42 years we had. We were soul mates. If there is anything like another life, I will marry you and you will remain Darlin’mi!

Adorable Betty (Wife)

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From darling Arakunrin to darling Arabinrin, Dated Saturday July 20, 2013 @ the Law Hub

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DARLIN ME!

We have spent part of our lives together. I call you “Darlin me” most times. I also call you “Maddy” and “Forsee” as occasions demand. All these pet names bear different meanings depicting what you represent to me in our short 33 years together as soul mates

There are so many admirable things about you as a person

Maddy, you don’t give up. You are a fighter. You hold tenaciously to your view points until you are convinced otherwise, you don’t give up on little arguments we have ceaselessly; you don’t give up on other important things either. Indomitable. Courageous Relentless. You may get down but you are never out. A great fighter for a good cause … striving to end the scourge of breast cancer in Nigeria; restless and resolute in your pursuit of this noble dream.

Forsee, you are endowed with uncommon foresight. A hard worker and constant positive Influence. Your consistent strength and resourcefulness are outstanding. You keep me informed concerning many things in life. You have kept me working and expanding as a person.

Darlin me, delectable and diligent. Selfless and considerate. Dignified in her carriage, exuding strength in her mien. The fact that you have not agreed with me on all things is a source of strength. Your loyalty is unalloyed Complete Home Girl: Betty Nwa Head: De facto Ada Emeablam, Simple yet complex. My friend: my children’s mother, my fan, my formidable challenger and above all, my wife.

What more remains to be said about this young Lady celebrating the 50th Anniversary of her 10th Birthday, a personality whose quality of life can be measured in terms of the positive impact it has on Nigerian women? Well a lot more, but it suffices for now, bearing testimony to her greatness, to say…

She is a great, contented woman.

Enjoy your day girl.

Your Darling, Aketi, Young Ake

Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN)”