My late husband would have been alive if he had listened to me – Betty Akeredolu
The death of Rotimi Akeredolu, the former governor of Ondo State, in December 2023, following complications from prostate cancer, shocked Nigeria and left a profound impact on both his family and the political landscape. However, in a deeply emotional interview, Betty Akeredolu, his widow, revealed her perspective on the tragic loss, stating that if her husband had listened to her and prioritized medical advice over spiritual consultations, he might still be alive today. This powerful statement has sparked a nationwide conversation about the intersection of faith, health care, and personal responsibility, especially in the context of Nigeria’s prevalent reliance on spiritual healing practices.
Rotimi Akeredolu, who passed away at the age of 70, had long been an influential figure in Nigerian politics. His legacy as a former governor and respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) marked a distinguished career, but his health struggles were less publicized. In the years leading up to his death, Akeredolu battled prostate cancer, a condition that affects many men, particularly in their later years. Despite the availability of medical treatment and advances in cancer care, Akeredolu’s journey took a different path—a decision that would eventually lead to heartbreaking consequences.
Betty Akeredolu, in her poignant interview, revealed that she had consistently urged her husband to seek proper medical treatment, particularly specialized care for his cancer. However, her husband, a man of strong faith, chose to follow the guidance of spiritual leaders and faith healers who, according to Betty, advised him to rely on prayer, olive oil, and other spiritual remedies rather than medical intervention.
The statement by Betty Akeredolu reflects a deep divide between religious faith and medical science—a division that is often a source of debate in many parts of Nigeria. In a country where faith healing and spiritual interventions are deeply ingrained in the culture, it is not uncommon for people facing serious health challenges to turn to religious leaders, pastors, and spiritualists, sometimes in place of medical care. In Betty’s view, this reliance on faith over professional medical advice contributed to the deteriorating health of her late husband.
Betty, who herself survived breast cancer decades ago, emphasized that while prayer is an essential part of her own faith, it should never replace professional medical care. Her statement serves as a cautionary message for Nigerians facing similar challenges. She urged people not to ignore the importance of consulting qualified doctors, especially those specializing in life-threatening diseases like cancer.
“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 specialises in cancer cases,” Betty advised.
Betty Akeredolu’s personal experience with cancer adds weight to her message. As a survivor of breast cancer, she is acutely aware of the difficulties and dangers that accompany cancer diagnosis and treatment. Her own battle with the disease, which she conquered through medical intervention, has shaped her perspective on healthcare and influenced her efforts to raise awareness about the importance of seeking proper medical treatment.
Her survival story serves as a testament to the importance of early detection, regular check-ups, and medical care. Betty’s victory over breast cancer stands in stark contrast to the path her late husband chose to take, which ultimately led to his untimely passing. Her personal journey provides a poignant backdrop to her call for Nigerians to prioritize their health and seek medical attention when necessary, particularly when dealing with complex conditions like cancer.
Faith healing is a widely accepted practice in many African countries, including Nigeria. Spiritualists, pastors, and traditional healers often claim to possess the power to cure various ailments, from minor illnesses to life-threatening diseases like cancer. For many Nigerians, these figures hold immense influence and are trusted sources of guidance, particularly when faced with health challenges.
However, Betty’s message highlights the risks of solely relying on faith healers and spiritual leaders when it comes to serious health conditions. While prayer and spiritual support can provide emotional and psychological relief, they are not substitutes for medical treatment. Betty’s frustration with the situation is palpable as she expressed how her husband’s reliance on spiritual guidance, rather than medical experts, may have contributed to his premature death.
Despite the widespread practice of seeking spiritual solutions, experts argue that turning to faith healers, especially for critical health conditions, can delay the onset of necessary medical treatment, exacerbating the chances of recovery. In an era where modern medicine offers innovative treatments and breakthroughs, many still choose to put their trust in spiritual leaders rather than medical professionals.
Betty’s message serves as an appeal for a balanced approach—one that incorporates faith, but does not dismiss the necessity of medical intervention. It is a plea for individuals to make informed decisions, seek proper medical care, and trust the expertise of healthcare professionals when dealing with serious illnesses.
In light of her husband’s death, Betty Akeredolu has become an advocate for raising awareness about cancer, the importance of early detection, and the dangers of ignoring medical advice. She uses her own experience as a tool for education, urging Nigerians to adopt a more practical and evidence-based approach to health and wellness.
Cancer awareness campaigns have become a critical part of public health in Nigeria, especially as the country grapples with increasing cancer rates. Betty’s public stance on the issue has helped shed light on the broader problem of inadequate healthcare awareness, especially among those who turn to spiritual remedies without understanding the severity of their conditions.
By sharing her personal story, Betty hopes to encourage others to be proactive about their health. She advocates for regular screenings, consultations with medical experts, and a greater understanding of cancer treatment options. Additionally, she is using her platform to urge the Nigerian government to invest more in healthcare infrastructure and education, particularly in rural areas where access to medical care may be limited.
Betty’s remarks about the need for Nigerians to seek medical care come at a time when healthcare in the country faces significant challenges. From inadequate healthcare facilities to a lack of access to specialized care, many Nigerians are left to navigate their health challenges with limited resources. The healthcare system has long struggled with inadequate funding, shortage of medical professionals, and an over-reliance on spiritual healing.
In order to prevent further loss of life and ensure that people have access to the care they need, there must be a holistic approach to healthcare. This approach must include a stronger emphasis on preventive care, awareness campaigns, and the integration of modern medicine with alternative practices like spiritual healing.
Betty’s advice underscores the need for a shift in mindset—a mindset that embraces medical science, while still honoring spiritual practices that contribute to emotional well-being. It is essential that Nigerians recognize the importance of early intervention, diagnostic testing, and ongoing treatment in managing complex diseases like cancer.
Betty Akeredolu’s tragic loss has turned into a mission to raise awareness about the dangers of neglecting proper medical care in favor of spiritual or alternative remedies. Her message serves as both a cautionary tale and a rallying cry for Nigerians to prioritize their health, seek medical care when necessary, and rely on evidence-based treatments.
As the nation reflects on the lessons learned from the death of Rotimi Akeredolu, it is clear that Betty’s voice will continue to echo as a champion for better healthcare practices in Nigeria. Through her advocacy, she is helping to reshape the narrative around healthcare, faith, and responsibility.
By combining her personal experience with a heartfelt call to action, Betty Akeredolu is ensuring that her husband’s legacy lives on, not just through politics, but through the vital conversation about health that her tragedy has sparked. For those battling cancer and other serious diseases, Betty’s message offers both a warning and a hope for a healthier, more informed future.
My late husband would have been alive if he had listened to me – Betty AkeredoluMy late husband would have been alive if he had listened to me ? Betty Akeredolu
Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, wife of former Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), says her late husband would have still been alive if he had listened to her.Akeredolu died on December 27, 2023, from prostate cancer complications.
Speaking during an interview with Star News publisher, Olumide Akinrinlola, on Thursday, Feb. 13, Mrs. Akeredolu said her husband followed the directives of spiritualists and pastors and failed to heed her advice.
Betty, who survived breast cancer decades ago, 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.”
She advised Nigerians facing health challenges to seek medical attention instead of relying on faith healers.
“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 specialises in cancer cases,” she said.
source: LIB
