Former First Lady of Ondo State, Betty Akeredolu, has spoken candidly about the illness and eventual death of her husband, former Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, expressing regret that medical advice was not prioritised early enough.
In an emotional reflection, Betty Akeredolu stated that she might not have been widowed if her late husband had adhered more strictly to medical treatment rather than relying heavily on spiritual interventions.
“I wouldn’t be a widow if my late husband had listened to me. He prioritised spiritual practice over medical treatment,” she said.
She questioned the value of certain religious activities undertaken during his battle with cancer, including prayer sessions and spiritual items obtained from clerics.
“What came out of their mountain climbing, blessed handkerchiefs, water, olive oil, and all the noisy prayers like people possessed by demons?” she asked.
The former First Lady maintained that faith, while important, cannot substitute for proper medical care in the treatment of serious illnesses such as cancer.
“You cannot pray away breast cancer or any cancer at all. If Aketi had listened to me, I wouldn’t be a widow,” she added.
Her remarks have since sparked debates around the balance between faith and medical science, particularly in the management of life-threatening diseases in Nigeria.