Akeredolu would be alive if he had listen to me – Wife

Former Ondo State First Lady, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has spoken about her late husband, former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s battle with cancer, strongly criticizing the reliance on spiritual interventions over medical treatment

In an exclusive interview with Star News publisher Olumide Akinrinlola on Thursday, Betty stated that if her husband had prioritized medical care instead of spiritual practices, his life could 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 detailed how her understanding of cancer biology and early detection led her to establish the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria in 1997. She stressed that cancer should be seen as a medical condition, not a spiritual attack.

 

“You cannot pray away breast cancer or any cancer at all,” she asserted.

On Ondo State’s current leadership, she described Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration as “rudderless” and criticized the reappointment of a former finance commissioner previously sacked for financial misconduct under her late husband’s administration.

“You can connect the dots as to why Lucky brought her back,” she remarked.

When asked about President Bola Tinubu’s government, she said, “Only those benefiting would say that. You don’t need a soothsayer to tell you that all is not well in the country.”

Betty also reaffirmed her senatorial ambition, saying she remains fully committed to her political goals.

Offering advice to those battling health crises, she urged Nigerians to seek medical attention instead of 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.