Former Ondo State First Lady, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has opened up about her late husband, former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s battle with cancer, criticizing reliance on spiritual interventions over medical treatment.
In an exclusive interview with Star News publisher, Olumide Akinrinlola, Betty Akeredolu expressed regret, stating that her husband’s life could have been prolonged if he had prioritized medical care.
“What came out of their mountain climbing, blessed handkerchiefs, water, olive oil, etc., from the GOs and all the noisy prayers like people possessed by demons? If Aketi had listened to me, I wouldn’t be a widow,” she said.
A breast cancer survivor herself, Betty highlighted how early detection and understanding of cancer biology led her to establish the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria in 1997. She emphasized that cancer is a medical condition, not a spiritual attack.
“You cannot pray away breast cancer or any cancer at all,” she asserted.
Commenting on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration in Ondo State, she described it as “rudderless” and raised concerns about the reappointment of a former finance commissioner previously dismissed for financial misconduct under her husband’s tenure.
“You can connect the dots as to why Lucky brought her back,” she noted.
Addressing the state of governance in Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu, she remarked, “Only those benefiting would say that. You don’t need a soothsayer to tell you that all is not well in the country.”
Betty reaffirmed her senatorial ambition, stating her commitment to political aspirations. She also urged Nigerians facing health challenges to seek professional medical attention rather than relying on faith healers.
“A pastor is not a doctor; he understands nothing about cancer. He can only pray, and prayers don’t cure cancer. Consult a doctor—not just any doctor, but a doctor who specialises in cancer cases,” she warned.
