- Safiu Kehinde
Former Ondo State First Lady, Betty Anyawu-Akeredolu, has claimed that her late husband on ex-governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu, would not have died if he had listened to her advice.
Betty held that she would not have been a widow if the late governor had not relied on spiritual assistance but followed her advice on medical consultation.
The ex-first lady stated this in an interview with Starnews yesterday.
Betty faulted Akeredolu’s over-reliance on spiritual aid for his death.
“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.” The former Ondo first lady said.
She recounted her personal battle with cancer and how research, medical assistance, and her cancer foundation had aided her survival.
“After my diagnosis, I began to read extensively about cancer, particularly breast cancer, exploring cancer websites, Cochrane publications, and more.
“This research opened my eyes to the experiences of others and the various ways people were fighting the disease.
“In Nigeria, discussions around cancer were often hushed; people would get cancer and die, and when someone was successfully treated, they seldom spoke about it. Everyone was kept in the dark.
“The country was silent, but when I was diagnosed, I refused to be part of that silence. This inspired me to found the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) in 1997, just six months after I was discharged from the hospital.
“International cancer organizations such as UICC, NBCC, Susan G. Komen, Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation, AACR, and ASCO began to take notice of BRECAN, resulting in a flurry of all-expenses-paid invitations to conferences.
“This exposure expanded my understanding of cancer, its biology and behavior, and advances in research on how to combat the disease and improve survival.
“Lifestyle changes, including a diet with zero sugar, zero processed carbohydrates, and fat, along with increased intake of fruits and vegetables and regular exercise, were challenging to implement.
“However, my determination to live and raise my young children compelled me to make these changes.” She said.
On if her mindset about spirituality have changed following Akeredolu’s death, Betty maintained her stance.
“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.” She said.