Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, wife of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has expressed strong disapproval of prioritising spiritual interventions over medical treatment in her husband’s battle with cancer.
In an exclusive interview with Star News publisher, Olumide Akinrinlola, on Thursday, she stated that if her husband had focused more on medical care rather than religious practices, his life might have been prolonged.
“What did all the mountain climbing, blessed handkerchiefs, water, olive oil, and loud prayers achieve? If Aketi had listened to me, I wouldn’t be a widow today,” she said.
As a breast cancer survivor, Betty highlighted how her early detection and understanding of the disease led her to establish the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) in 1997. She stressed that cancer is a medical condition, not a spiritual attack.
“You cannot pray away breast cancer or any cancer at all,” she emphasised.
Criticism of Ondo Government and Federal Administration
Commenting on the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Ondo State, she described it as “rudderless” and raised concerns over the reappointment of a former finance commissioner who had been dismissed for financial misconduct under her late husband’s tenure.
“You can connect the dots as to why Lucky brought her back,” she remarked.
On the state of the country under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, Betty stated, “Only those benefiting would say things are fine. You don’t need a soothsayer to know that all is not well in Nigeria.”
Her Political Ambition and Advice on Health Issues
Reaffirming her senatorial ambition, Betty declared her continued commitment to political aspirations.
She also urged Nigerians to seek medical treatment for serious health conditions instead of relying on faith healers.
“A pastor is not a doctor; he knows nothing about cancer. He can only pray, and prayers don’t cure cancer. See a doctor—not just any doctor, but a specialist in cancer cases,” she advised.
