Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, and his counterpart in Imo, Hope Uzodinma, on Saturday attended the funeral of the late mother-in-law of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State.
Extolling the virtues of his mother-in-law, Dora Anyanwu, Mr Akeredolu described her as an “efficient teacher, dutiful wife, responsible mother, compassionate community leader, pragmatic Christian and genuine nationalist.”
The funeral service was held at Christ Anglican Church, Emeabiam, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo.
“I have taken Mama Dora, not only as my mother in-law, but as a true mother to me, strong woman of faith and undoubtedly very fair- minded,” Akeredolu said.
“I join other well-meaning individuals to celebrate a great woman; indeed an amazon, my mother and friend. It is a thing of unquantifiable joy that this woman of steely disposition played very significant roles in my life.”
Akeredolu’s wife, Betty, in her remarks, said her late mother was a retired teacher, entrepreneur and a visionary woman, who had contributed immensely to various developmental strides and women leadership in Emeabiam.
She stated that her mother was an activist, a disciplinarian and an advocate for the right of women, who kicked against female genital mutilation and high bride price in Emeabiam.
“My traditional marriage was a testimony. She insisted that ‘our daughter is not for sale’. From my mother’s resourcefulness, I learnt that a woman could create wealth, have her own money and depend less on a man or her husband,” she said.
President of Emeabiam community, Omeoka Herbert, described the deceased as a vibrant and committed leader, who had contributed in no small measure to the uplift of women in Emeabiam.
Herbert said Mama Dora served as a conflict mediator, especially among couples and exerted her energy in building younger generation, noting that she would be greatly missed by the entire community.
Anyanwu died on January 13 after a brief illness at the age of 89.
Ondo State Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, led members of the state executive council to the funeral.
