Former Ondo State First Lady, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has stated that only those who benefit directly from President Bola Tinubu’s administration are shielded from the economic difficulties currently affecting the country.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Star News publisher, Olumide Akinrinlola, on Thursday, she noted that the economic challenges were obvious to all Nigerians, except those with close ties to the government.
When asked about the state of the nation under President Tinubu’s leadership, she said, “Only those benefiting would say that all is well. You don’t need a soothsayer to tell you that all is not well in the country.”
Apart from commenting on the economy, Betty also spoke about her political ambitions, reaffirming her determination to run for a senatorial seat. She made it clear that she remains committed to her political aspirations.
She also opened up about the late former Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, and his battle with cancer. She criticised the widespread belief in faith-based healing over medical treatment, stating that her husband’s life might have been prolonged if a different approach had been taken.
“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 stated.
As a breast cancer survivor, Betty noted the importance of seeking medical care over relying on spiritual interventions. She shared her own experience, revealing that early detection and proper treatment helped her overcome the disease.
“You cannot pray away breast cancer or any cancer at all,” she asserted.
Betty, who founded the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria in 1997 to raise awareness, urged Nigerians to take their health seriously and consult professionals rather than faith healers for critical illnesses.
“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 one who specialises in cancer cases,” she warned.
Turning to Ondo State politics, she criticised the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, calling it “rudderless.” She expressed concerns about some of his appointments, particularly the return of a former finance commissioner who had been removed during her late husband’s tenure over alleged financial misconduct.
“You can connect the dots as to why Lucky brought her back,” she remarked, refusing to provide further details.
