Akeredolu would still be alive if he had listened to me — Betty Akeredolu

Former Ondo State First Lady, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has stated that her late husband, Rotimi Akeredolu, would have survived his battle with cancer if he had listened to her advice to prioritise medical treatment over spiritual intervention.

In an exclusive interview with Star News publisher, Olumide Akinrinlola, on Thursday, Betty asserted that her husband’s life could have been prolonged had he prioritised medical treatment.

According to her, she would not have been a widow by now if her late husband had heeded her advice, saying that mountain climbing, the use of olive oil, and other spiritual interventions were efforts in futility.

She said, “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.”

Betty, a breast cancer survivor, highlighted her own experience with the disease, which led her to establish the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria in 1997. Stressing that cancer is a medical condition, not a spiritual affliction, she said, “You cannot pray away breast cancer or any cancer at all.”

Addressing the state of governance in Ondo, Betty described Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration as “rudderless,” expressing concerns over key appointments. She pointed to the reinstatement of a former finance commissioner dismissed for financial misconduct under her husband’s tenure. “You can connect the dots as to why Lucky brought her back,” she noted.

When asked about the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government, 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 also reaffirmed her senatorial ambition, stating her commitment to her political goals.

Advising Nigerians on health matters, she cautioned against depending on faith healers for serious illnesses. 

“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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