The family of Abiola Adeleke Jaiyesimi has issued an emotional appeal to well-meaning Nigerians, calling for urgent intervention and protection over what they describe as ongoing threats to his life, months after he fled Nigeria for Canada.
Speaking in an emotional interview with Event Diary Lifestyle, his elder sister, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Adeniji—popularly known as “Mummy Tolu”—said the family can no longer remain silent as strangers allegedly continue to inquire about her brother’s whereabouts, while fears of possible harm persist.
“We are begging Nigerians, please help us,” she said. “This is not just a family matter anymore. People are still coming, asking questions. We are scared for his life.”
According to the family, Abiola’s situation is linked to a long-running personal ordeal that began years ago but only recently escalated into what they describe as a “life-threatening exposure” that forced him out of the country.
In a detailed personal account shared by his elder sister, Mummy Tolu explained that his struggles began as early as age 17, when he became aware of internal identity conflicts, which he reportedly kept hidden due to a strict religious upbringing and fear of stigma within his community.
She stated that he was raised in a deeply religious Christian environment, actively involved in church activities, and expected to conform to cultural and social norms that left little room for deviation.
However, the situation reportedly escalated during his time at Lagos State University in 2010, where he met a fellow student, Akin Adimu. What began as friendship, according to his account, later developed into a discreet romantic relationship, which both parties allegedly kept secret due to fear of social consequences.
Abiola claims that during the Christmas period of 2010, the two were discovered at an uncompleted building in their neighbourhood by an older acquaintance identified as Musiliu, a prominent figure in their community. He alleges that although they were not exposed at the time, the encounter marked the beginning of long-term fear and vulnerability.
Following the incident, he says the relationship ended quietly, and both individuals went their separate ways.
Years later, the family says Abiola’s past resurfaced in ways that placed him in danger. They added that an incident in 2023 in Osun State triggered renewed attention from individuals he considers hostile, as well as elements within law enforcement.
According to his narrative, the incident led to suspicion, fear of retaliation, and what he describes as mounting pressure that eventually forced him into hiding before he fled Nigeria in 2023, seeking safety in Canada.
But for his family, the story did not end with his departure.
His elder sister, Mrs. Adeniji, says the family has been living under emotional strain as strangers allegedly continue to visit and ask questions about Abiola, even after he left the country.
“We don’t sleep in peace anymore,” she said. “People are still coming around, asking where he is. Some come with threats, some with questions we cannot answer. We are afraid for all of us.”
She added that the family is now appealing publicly for protection and intervention, insisting that the situation has gone beyond their control.
According to Abiola’s account, matters worsened after he relocated abroad, when information about his private life was allegedly revealed to members of his family. He claims this disclosure led to internal conflict, rejection by some relatives, and pressure from traditional elders who reportedly demanded spiritual cleansing rituals.
He also stated that his wife, who had earlier relocated to the United Kingdom, became aware of the situation, leading to further strain within the marriage and increased family tension.
Abiola further alleges that he now faces overlapping threats ranging from fear of exposure, alleged targeting by individuals connected to his past, and possible attention from authorities in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s legal and social environment around same-sex relationships remains highly sensitive, with individuals often reporting discrimination, stigma, and legal risks.
However, the family insists their primary concern is not legal interpretation but survival.
“We are not asking for judgment,” Mrs. Adeniji emphasized. “We are asking for help. If anything happens to my brother, it will be too late. Nigerians should please intervene now.”
She called on human rights groups, religious leaders, and the government to look into the matter and ensure that no harm comes to her brother or other members of the family who may be affected.
For now, the family says they remain in distress, watching closely as the situation unfolds across borders.
“This is our cry,” she said quietly. “Let Nigerians not wait until it becomes a tragedy before they act.”