Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu, the wife of ailing Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo, has asked residents of the state, particularly netizens criticising some of her husband’s policies affecting the people, to “hug an electric transformer.”

The insult hurled at the residents by Mrs Akeredolu came after a portion of the barricades installed on the busy dual carriageway of the popular Oba Adesida road was removed by acting governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

“I’m an activist. Truth must be told. If e dey pain you, go hug transformer,” she wrote on her social media page on Monday. “Wall of Jericho, was it for a run? No! For public safety to prevent reckless driving and accidents. Get some sense, people. Cheap popularity.”

She alleged that Mr Aiyedatiwa was only sourcing for ‘cheap popularity’ by removing the portion of the barricade on the road.

Mr Aiyedatiwa’s action received applause and accolades from the residents, who had long been angered by the mounting of the barricades, particularly as it affects motorists plying the road.

Peoples Gazette learnt that the barricade otherwise referred to as Akure’s ‘Wall of Jericho’ was installed early this year by Mr Akeredolu following the incessant accidents and usual vehicular and human traffic which often affect business growth.

Mr Aiyedatiwa had instructed that a section of the barricade be removed following the festive season.

However, the decision did not go down well with a few citizens who linked the action of the acting governor with the politics of 2024, alleging him of testing his street credibility.

Since its installation, the barricade, which spread to the road adjacent to the Deji of Akure’s palace, has attracted lots of criticism from residents and opposition, lambasting Mr Akeredolu for taking the action.

The Gazette could not immediately get official comments from Mr Aiyedatiwa, who is expected to announce some of his few aides, including official spokespersons, this week.

One of the aides, who preferred to speak under the condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak, said the acting governor would rather speak his silence than dignify the office of the First Lady of the state with a response.

“We don’t want to dignify the office of the First Lady with any response. Although I’m not authorised to speak but I know the people of the state can judge and pass comments on the decision made by the acting governor.

“More importantly, is how the barricades had been affecting them a few days to Christmas and to ease both vehicular and human movements en route to Oba Oja, that decision had to be taken. Whoever thinks it’s for politics can’t also know nor understand better than those plying the routes at this festive period,” he said.