The family of a 46-year-old Ondo businessman, Kayode Akinbolusere, popularly known as Tolufe, has called for an investigation into his death after a video showing him speaking about his struggles and sharing his properties surfaced on social media.
Akinbolusere, who owned Esther Estate in Ondo State, reportedly died after ingesting a suspected poisonous substance at his office in Igba, Ondo State.
In the video recorded shortly before his death, the businessman said he was leaving his properties to his wife, Esther, and their three children, who live in Canada.
He also insisted that nobody pressured him into making the decision.
“I am doing this video on behalf of my family. I, Akinbolusere Kayode, am doing my will on my property. I am doing this on my own; nobody put pressure on me,” he said.
He spoke about the challenges he faced while building his business, including faults with two machines he used at work.
The businessman also praised his wife for supporting him when he had nothing, particularly 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,” he said.
However, his uncle, Femi Akinbolusere, questioned the circumstances surrounding the video, alleging that the businessman might have been forced to record it.
Speaking in an interview, the uncle said the way his nephew spoke about surrendering his properties raised suspicions.
“We are grieving, please. You heard all he said, laughing that he surrendered. Is that a gift to anybody? Is that a will?” he asked.
He urged security operatives to investigate the video and determine whether anyone threatened or forced the businessman to make the recording.
The uncle also called for an autopsy to establish the cause of death and urged the police to question those who might have information about the incident.
However, the Ondo State Police Command said preliminary findings had not revealed signs of foul play.
The command’s spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, said in a statement that police operatives attached to the Bolorunduro Division visited the scene after receiving information about the incident.
According to him, two empty bottles suspected to have contained Sniper insecticide were recovered from a nearby bush.
“Preliminary findings also revealed that the deceased had allegedly recorded a video before his death, which has since circulated on social media, in which he reportedly lamented about his life struggles,” the statement said.
Jimoh added that the businessman’s remains had been taken to the State Hospital Morgue for preservation and further examination.
He said no visible marks of violence were observed on the body during the initial examination.
The police said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death were ongoing.
