Asked if she disapproved of prayers and rejected spiritual assistance during her husband’s battle with cancer, Betty Akeredolu 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?”
Former First Lady of Ondo State, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has said that she would not have been a widow if the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu had listened to her.
Mrs. Anyanwu-Akeredolu stated this in an exclusive interview with StarNews Publisher, Olumide Akinrinlola, published on Thursday.
Diagnosed with breast cancer 27 years ago, the former Ondo First Lady said her decision to seek medical care rather than relying on spiritual healers was a crucial step in her recovery.
Her husband Akeredolu died from prostate cancer on December 23, 2023.
According to Betty, Akeredolu was religious but she was “wired differently” and has no apologies for it.
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Asked if she disapproved of prayers and rejected spiritual assistance during Akeredolu’s battle with cancer, 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.”
On the state’s governance, Anyanwu-Akeredolu described her husband’s successor Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration as “rudderless”.
On the allegation that Aiyedatiwa’s finance commissioner was the one running the government, Betty Akeredolu said, “No comments.
“However, it’s worth noting that this same commissioner was sacked from her position during Aketi’s first administration.
“You can connect the dots as to why Lucky brought her back. We are watching.”
Also, the former first lady confirmed she would be pursuing her senatorial ambition.
Mrs. Akeredolu, who said mindset was important in her recovery, said nobody can pray away cancer.
“I have always been a precocious child, as my parents described. I was not shy or timid, but rather an inquisitive girl who asked many questions without fear. To crown it all, I studied Zoology for my first degree, where I took courses in genetics and cytogenetics.
“My academic background made it easier for me to understand cancer biology and behaviour. Therefore, it became practically impossible for me to believe that cancer could be caused by juju or spiritual attacks.
“When people suggested going to church or consulting a spiritualist, I simply ignored them because they were entirely ignorant.
“You cannot pray away breast cancer or any cancer at all, quote me! I may not be familiar with other diseases, but when it comes to cancer, I can confidently say that I understand the behaviour of the disease.
“Cancer progresses over time and in four stages. Climbing mountains or performing rituals is simply a waste of time while cancer cells are multiplying. The earlier you detect, present, and treat it, the better your chances of survival.”
She insists that her non-belief was the difference she had with her late husband.
“When it comes to religion, I tell people to keep to their lanes while I keep mine. Aketi understood me, and we managed our differences, yet we had a happy marriage. He was religious, while I wasn’t. I was wired differently, and I make no apologies for that.”
Mrs. Akeredolu rather than making her change her opinion on religion, her husband’s illness convinced her that she was right
Asked if she will change her views, he retorted: “Change? Never! Not with my experience watching Aketi battle prostate cancer. If anything, it confirms that cancer is a medical issue. It’s neither juju nor a spiritual attack.
“My advice to the public is to pay attention to cancer news to be educated. Don’t say it’s not your portion or that you’re covered by the blood of Jesus or that you are a daughter of Zion. Be encouraged to go for cancer screening for early detection, and if cancer is suspected, go to the hospital for presentation and treatment. Don’t waste your time running to any pastor.
“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 specializes in cancer cases. They are available at University Teaching Hospitals or Federal Medical Centres.”
On the advice she would give to those who may be struggling with their spiritual beliefs while dealing with a health crisis, Mrs. Betty Akeredolu said: “Recognizing that spiritual or religious beliefs are like an opiate for many Nigerians, it would be foolhardy to advise otherwise.
“My take is that while people may believe in whatever they want, they should consult a doctor when faced with health challenges. Without a doubt, medical advances have resolved numerous health challenges we face today.
“Research continues in other parts of the world to determine the genesis of diseases and ways to manage them, enabling humans to enjoy a longer lifespan. Sadly, evidence-based research is not on Nigeria’s radar, leading to the emergence of faith healers nationwide, with no end in sight. What a country!”
