Ondo businessman commit’s suicide after emotional video on family and will

A prominent Ondo businessman took his own life on Thursday evening, an event that follows a tear‑jerking video he posted describing his family’s hardships and his intention to leave all his assets to his wife and three children abroad. The incident, reported to have occurred at House Estate in Ondo City on October 28, 2026, has left the local community stunned. Known locally as Tolufe, Akinbolusere Kayode was a well‑known real‑estate owner whose sudden death has raised many questions about the pressures facing entrepreneurs in the state.

According to witnesses, Kayode consumed several bottles of Sniper insecticide inside his home before being rushed to Ondo General Hospital. Medical staff confirmed his death shortly after his arrival. The timeline suggests that the ingestion happened only hours after he uploaded the video, in which he spoke directly to the camera about his business challenges, his marriage, and his plan to will all his properties to his wife, Akinbolusere Esther, and their three children who reside in Canada. The video, posted on social media, quickly circulated among his followers and relatives.

In the recording, Kayode emphasized that his decision was self‑driven and free of external pressure. “I am doing this video on behalf of my family. I, Akinbolusere Kayode, am doing my will on my properties. I am doing this on my own; nobody put pressure on me. I woke up and left for work, leaving my family at home,” he said. He went on to describe technical failures at his workplace, noting that the first and second machines he relied on had malfunctioned. He reflected on the humble beginnings of his enterprise, recalling how he started from scratch and remained transparent about his operations.

Kayode also praised his wife’s unwavering support, recalling the early days when he worked 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,” he recounted. He added that his own carelessness had contributed to the deterioration of his business, saying, “I was the one who destroyed everything with carelessness.” The emotional tone of the video suggested a man grappling with personal and professional despair, a narrative that resonated with many who know the challenges of running a small‑scale enterprise in Nigeria.

Family members and close friends have expressed grief and confusion. Esther, Kayode’s wife, who hails from Ekiti, has not yet issued a public statement, but relatives reported that she was at home when the video was recorded. The three children, who live in Canada, were reportedly unaware of their father’s deteriorating mental state. Community leaders in Ondo City have called for counseling services for those affected and urged businesses to prioritize mental‑health support for owners and employees alike.

The case also highlights broader concerns about the stigma surrounding mental health in Nigeria, especially among business owners who often face intense pressure to succeed. While the exact triggers for Kayode’s tragic decision remain unclear, the video hints at a combination of operational setbacks, personal guilt, and perhaps isolation. Experts note that entrepreneurs in the region frequently lack access to professional mental‑health resources, and cultural expectations can discourage open discussion of emotional struggles.

Police officials confirmed that an investigation is underway to verify the circumstances surrounding the death, though they have not indicated any foul play. The focus remains on establishing a clear timeline of events, from the moment the video was uploaded to the point of ingestion of the insecticide. Hospital records corroborate the rapid onset of symptoms consistent with poisoning, and forensic analysis is expected to be completed within the next few days.

In the wake of the businessman suicide, local real‑estate markets have shown a brief dip as investors react to the sudden loss of a key player. Tenants of properties owned by Kayode have been advised to await further instructions from estate administrators, who will likely follow the instructions laid out in the recorded will. Legal experts anticipate that the probate process may be complicated by the cross‑border nature of the beneficiaries, given that the children reside in Canada.

The community’s reaction has been one of collective mourning. Social media users shared tributes, recalling Kayode’s contributions to local development and his reputation for generosity. A post by Lindaikejiblog, which featured a screenshot of the video, garnered thousands of comments expressing sympathy and urging others to seek help when facing similar pressures. Mental‑health NGOs have taken the opportunity to amplify outreach campaigns, emphasizing that help is available through hotlines and counseling centers.

As authorities continue their inquiries, the next steps will involve confirming the legal transfer of Kayode’s assets to his wife and children, as stipulated in his recorded statement. Probate courts are expected to review the video as part of the evidentiary material, a relatively rare occurrence that could set a precedent for future cases where digital recordings are used to convey testamentary intentions. Meanwhile, family members are likely to arrange a funeral that adheres to local customs, with many community members expected to attend in solidarity.

The tragic businessman suicide serves as a stark reminder of the hidden burdens that can accompany entrepreneurial success in Nigeria. While the immediate focus remains on the legal and familial ramifications, the broader conversation about mental‑health support for business owners is expected to gain momentum in the weeks ahead.