Ondo Businessman Commits Suicide After Recording Video About Personal Struggles

A 46-year-old businessman, Akinbolusere Kayode, also known as Tolufe, has reportedly died by suicide after recording a video in which he spoke about his personal and business struggles.

Kayode, who owned an estate in Ondo, reportedly died on Thursday in his office beside a BOVAS petrol station in Igba town, Ondo State.

In the video, which has since gone viral on social media, the businessman announced his decision to transfer ownership of his properties to his wife, Esther, and their three children, who reside in Canada.

He stressed that the decision was entirely voluntary and that he was not acting under pressure from anyone.

Kayode also expressed gratitude to his wife for standing by him throughout his business journey, recalling her support during his difficult beginnings as a barber.

“My wife stood by me when I had nothing and never for once wronged me. She was very supportive when I had nothing, especially when I was working as a barber. I was the one who destroyed everything with carelessness,” he said.

He further spoke about setbacks in his business, including technical problems with the first and second machines he acquired, which left him questioning the challenges he was facing.

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed his death in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh.

Jimoh said police officers attached to the Bolorunduro Division visited the scene after receiving information about the incident from members of the public.

“The incident was reported following information received from members of the public that the deceased, a resident of Road 7, Housing Estate, Igba, had died in his office located beside BOVAS Petrol Station, Igba Town, at about 1500hrs on the said date,” the statement reads.

According to the police, preliminary findings indicated that Kayode had recorded a video before his death in which he spoke about his personal struggles.

Jimoh added that his remains were taken to the state hospital morgue for preservation and further examination.

He also disclosed that two empty bottles suspected to have contained Sniper insecticide were recovered from a nearby bush.

“Upon receipt of the information, police operatives attached to Bolorunduro Division visited the scene, where two empty bottles suspected to have contained Sniper insecticide were recovered from nearby bush,” Jimoh said.

“No foul play or visible marks of violence were observed on his body at the time of examination.”

The police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Felix Ohagwu, had directed a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding Kayode’s death.