Betty Akeredolu, widow of the late former Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, has expressed regret over her husband’s reliance on spiritual healing rather than medical treatment for his battle with cancer.
In an interview with Star News, she criticized the belief that cancer could be cured through prayers or supernatural means, emphasizing the importance of medical intervention.
“You cannot pray away breast cancer or any type of cancer—quote me! Cancer progresses through four stages, and relying on spiritual rituals instead of treatment only allows it to spread,” she stated.
Akeredolu, a zoologist and advocate for scientific health solutions, condemned the use of religious items such as handkerchiefs, water, and olive oil as substitutes for proper medical care.
“If Aketi had followed my advice, I wouldn’t be a widow today,” she lamented.
She urged Nigerians to prioritize early diagnosis and medical treatment, warning against seeking solutions from religious leaders who lack medical expertise.
“A pastor is not a doctor. He doesn’t understand cancer. He can pray, but prayers don’t cure cancer,” she asserted.