Ondo businessman’s death raises concern over mental distress in Nigeria
A businessman in Ondo town, Ondo State, Akinbolusere Kayode Roland, popularly known as Tolufe, has reportedly died in a suspected su!c!de, following a video in which he discussed business difficulties and expressed his wish for his wife and three children to inherit his properties.
Kayode, identified as the owner of Esther Estate, reportedly died on Thursday, October 29. Although Peoples Gazette reported that the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed his death, the precise circumstances surrounding it remain unclear.
According to information gathered by 9News Nigeria reporters and their review of the recording, Kayode spoke about setbacks affecting his businesses, including the breakdown of three machines used in his operations. He also discussed personal difficulties, although the recording does not establish the full extent of the pressures he faced.
The businessman reportedly operated several enterprises in Ondo town, including a block-making business said to have been running for nearly two decades.
In the recording, he acknowledged the support of his wife, Adenike, recalling how she stood by him through years of struggle as he worked to build his livelihood. He expressed appreciation for her contribution to his life and accepted responsibility for difficulties in their relationship.
He also expressed his intention for his wife and their three adult children, reportedly resident in Canada, to inherit his assets. Those statements represent his expressed wishes; the legal status of any will or arrangements concerning his estate has not been established.
His reported death brings attention to the emotional strain that can accompany business setbacks and financial uncertainty, including among people whose properties and commercial achievements may give an outward impression of stability.
However, while Kayode referred to business problems, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that economic hardship caused his death. His remarks offer only a partial account of his circumstances and should not be treated as a complete explanation of what happened.
The World Health Organization explains that suicide involves multiple, complex factors rather than a single incident or difficulty. Emotional distress, stressful life experiences, health conditions and social circumstances can interact in different ways.
Against the wider concern about economic hardship in Nigeria, the incident underscores the importance of taking emotional distress seriously and making support more accessible to individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. It also highlights why assumptions about a person’s wellbeing should not rest on their wealth, business interests or their children’s circumstances.
People experiencing overwhelming distress or thoughts of self-harm should seek immediate support from a trusted person or a qualified health professional. Where there is an immediate danger, they should go to the nearest hospital emergency department and ask someone they trust to stay with them.
Credit: 9News Nigeria
