The wife of the late Ondo State Governor, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has opened up about her husband’s battle with cancer, expressing her disappointment over the emphasis on spiritual solutions during his treatment.
In an interview, Betty highlighted the importance of medical care, suggesting that her husband’s life could have been extended if he had focused more on traditional treatments instead of spiritual practices.
She recounted the ineffective suggestions from well-meaning friends, including “mountain climbing,” “blessed handkerchiefs,” and “olive oil,” which did not yield any positive outcomes.
“What did those mountain climbing, blessed handkerchiefs, and olive oil really achieve? If Aketi had listened to me, I wouldn’t be a widow,” Betty stated in her conversation with Star News publisher, Olumide Akinrinlola.
Having faced breast cancer herself, Betty emphasized the critical role of early detection and medical treatment.
The farmer and First Lady, who established the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria in 1997 to raise awareness and support those affected, insisted that cancer should be treated as a medical issue, not a spiritual one.
“You cannot pray away breast cancer or any type of cancer,” she asserted.
Additionally, Betty criticized the current Ondo State administration led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for its lack of direction and expressed concerns about a significant reappointment.
While she did not provide details about governance, she hinted at the return of a former finance commissioner who had been removed for financial misconduct during her husband’s time.
“You can see the connection as to why Lucky brought her back,” she commented.
On a national level, Betty expressed doubt about President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, saying, “Only those benefiting would say that. You don’t need.”
