Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the former First Lady of Ondo State, has voiced strong criticism of the reliance on spiritual interventions during her late husband, former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s, battle with cancer.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Star News publisher Olumide Akinrinlola, Betty expressed that her husband’s life could have been prolonged had he prioritized medical treatment over spiritual practices.
“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.
Betty, a breast cancer survivor herself, emphasized the importance of viewing cancer as a medical issue, not a spiritual one. “You cannot pray away breast cancer or any cancer at all,” she asserted, reflecting on her personal journey and her work founding the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria in 1997.
On the current administration in Ondo State, she referred to it as “rudderless,” citing concerns about Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s reappointment of a former finance commissioner dismissed for financial misconduct under her husband’s leadership. “You can connect the dots as to why Lucky brought her back,” she noted.
Betty also criticized the current Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu, saying, “Only those benefiting would say that. You don’t need a soothsayer to tell you that all is not well in the country.”
Reaffirming her senatorial ambitions, Betty stressed her commitment to continuing her political journey and urged Nigerians facing health challenges to seek professional medical help. “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 advised.