Former Ondo State First Lady, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, recently reflected on her late husband, former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s, battle with cancer, criticizing the overreliance on spiritual remedies.
In an exclusive interview with Star News publisher Olumide Akinrinlola, Betty shared that if her husband had prioritized medical intervention over spiritual practices, she believed his life might have been prolonged.
“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 explained how her knowledge of cancer biology and early detection led her to establish the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria in 1997. She stressed that cancer should be treated as a medical condition, not a spiritual issue.
“You cannot pray away breast cancer or any cancer at all,” she asserted.
Addressing the current Ondo State administration led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Betty called it “rudderless” and expressed concern over a key appointment. While refraining from specific governance comments, she highlighted the reappointment of a former finance commissioner dismissed for financial misconduct under her husband’s administration.
“You can connect the dots as to why Lucky brought her back,” she noted.
When asked about the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu, Betty remarked, “Only those benefiting would say that. You don’t need a soothsayer to tell you that all is not well in the country.”
She also reiterated her senatorial aspirations and reaffirmed her commitment to achieving her political goals.
Offering advice to those facing health challenges, Betty urged Nigerians to seek professional medical care rather than rely 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.
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