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Tag: Widow

  • BREAKING! MKO Abiola’s widow, Doyin is dead

    BREAKING! MKO Abiola’s widow, Doyin is dead

    Nigeria has lost one of its most iconic media figures, Dr. Doyin Abiola, who died on Tuesday night at the age of 81.
    Sources close to the family confirmed that she passed away at exactly 9:15 p.m. after a period of illness.

    Dr. Abiola, the widow of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, presumed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election was a trailblazer in Nigerian journalism and media leadership. She made history as the first Nigerian woman to become editor-in-chief and managing director of a daily newspaper in the country.

    Born in 1944, Doyin Abiola studied English and Drama at the University of Ibadan and graduated in 1969. Her journalism career began at the Daily Sketch, where she launched a widely read column, Tiro, focusing on social and gender issues.

    In 1970, she left for the United States to pursue a Master’s degree in Journalism. On her return to Nigeria, she joined the Daily Times as a Features Writer and rose to the position of Group Features Editor. Determined to deepen her academic and professional capacity, she returned to the U.S. and obtained a PhD in Communications and Political Science from New York University in 1979.

    Her return to Nigeria saw her join the editorial board of Daily Times, working alongside notable names like Dele Giwa, Stanley Macebuh, and Amma Ogan. But soon after, she was invited to become the pioneer editor of the newly established National Concord, founded by her future husband, Chief MKO Abiola.

    By 1986, she had climbed to the position of Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of National Concord, marking another historic milestone as the first woman in Nigeria to hold such a role in the daily newspaper industry.

    Her influence in the media sector spanned over three decades, during which she mentored generations of journalists and contributed significantly to the evolution of the Nigerian press.

    Married to MKO Abiola in 1981, she stood firmly by him through the turbulent years that followed the annulment of the 1993 election. Despite the political storm that engulfed their family and the Concord group, Doyin Abiola remained a pillar of strength both at home and within the newsroom.

    Dr. Doyin Abiola also served in various national and industry roles, offering her expertise and voice to the advancement of journalism and women’s representation in Nigeria.

    Nation

  • Lagbaja’s widow cries out in her tribute, says “who’ll will give me that morning hug?”

    Lagbaja’s widow cries out in her tribute, says “who’ll will give me that morning hug?”

    The widow of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Mariya, has pledged her eternal love to her late husband as she reflects with a question that who will hug her now.

    Mariya also reminisced on the connection she shared with her husband of nearly 17 years, describing their relationship as one built on friendship, love, and unwavering support.

    In an emotional tribute to her late husband, included in the burial programme pamphlet, Mariya Lagbaja reflected on their time together.

    Though she acknowledged that their time was cut short, she expressed gratitude for the moments they shared, which she said she would always treasure.

    “Meeting you over 17 years ago left an indelible mark on my life. Our friendship stood the test of time and meant the world to me. We shared a bond that was meant to last a lifetime. Though this was cut short, I treasure every moment with you, my shining light,” she wrote.

    Mariya recounted their journey, which began on December 29, 2007, the day they vowed to spend their lives together.

    She described her late husband as a man who loved, cared for, and devoted himself to her, calling him her strength and source of joy.

    She also pledged to love Lagbaja forever, vowing to hold on to their cherished memories and the enduring bond they shared.

    She said, “On the 29th of December, 2007, we chose each other for a lifelong journey. But death has taken away the man who loved, cared for, and cherished me with all he had. You carried me when no one was watching, you wiped my tears when I could not hold them back, and your shoulder was my strength to face the world.

    “You brought so much beauty and joy to my life. In a world of ordinary moments, you created extraordinary happiness for me. As I look back on how great, amiable, kind, compassionate, generous, and adorable you were to me, I make bold to say that my love for you is forever.

    “I will hold our memories, time, moments spent together so dear to my heart and cherish them throughout my lifetime because your love and support were my rock and guiding force always. If only you could hear me now. I love you infinitely.”

    Mariya described Lagbaja as the spiritual leader of their home, adding that he inspired her and their children to love and serve God wholeheartedly.

    She said, “As the spiritual leader of our home, you taught us to love Jesus and serve him in spirit and truth. At all times, you always sing and dance so joyfully in the presence of God, regardless of your status and this gives me the hope and assurance that you are in a better place, doing just the same with the host of heaven. You were truly our pastor and our priest, and I have no doubt that you are watching over us, my guardian Angel.”

    She said despite his busy schedule, Lagbaja was a dedicated father who created time for his children.

    Mariya said, “A true and dedicated father you were. The job never gave you enough time to spend with the family or share in the milestones of the children, but those short moments we spent together can never be taken away from us. At every opportunity, you created time for Emmanuel and Dara.

    “You looked at their school work, solved mathematical problems or just simply played with them. To us, you are our hero and you will never be forgotten. Your legacy lives on in our children and they promise to make you proud.”

    Mariya said her husband fought a good fight to the very end, wondering who would now ask her about the latest trends, call her “Boss,” or hug her every morning before heading to work.

    She said, “On the 5th of November, as I looked at you lying there on that bed, I knew you had fought the good fight to the very end. Though you are gone, you will surely be missed by your loved ones, all who knew you, and the countless lives you touched. For me and our children, you will always be in our hearts.”

    She continued, “Who will ask me, ‘What is the latest?’ Who will call me, ‘The Boss?’ Who will give me that morning hug before heading off to work?

    “I will surely miss all these and so much more, my Jump Master. My leader, my friend, my husband, our father, my hero, my love and God’s General, I salute you. Till we meet to part no more, sleep on Daddy!.”

    Lagbaja passed away on November 5 and was buried on Friday, November 15.

  • Widow writes IG, seeks investigation into hubby’s death in Edo

    Widow writes IG, seeks investigation into hubby’s death in Edo

    A widow, Mrs Esther Osaghae, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, seeking investigation into the death of her husband, Mr Fidelis Osaghae, in his boss’ office at Auchi, Edo.

    The widow, who alleged planned cover up, claimed her husband died under questionable circumstances.

    The petition, filed on her behalf by Akin Faadeyi Foundation, a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), said that the deceased worked with a man who was into hospitality business in the community.

    A copy of the petition was made available to the NAN on Monday in Benin.

    The petitioner said her husband had, on July 28, left home at about 1 p.m. for his place of work located opposite Mechanic Site, Angle 90, Auchi in Estako-West Local Government Area of Edo.

    “The deceased, while at work in the early hours of July 29, and as it’s his usual practice when delayed in returning home, made a video call to his wife at about 1:30 a.m. to let her know he was still at work.

    “The deceased came home at 2:30 a.m. that same day and informed his wife that his boss had asked him to bring ‘something’ back to work and ran back to work at about the same 2:30 a.m. with a promise to be back soon.

    “When the widow tried to call the deceased later at about 5 a.m. to ask why he was yet to be back, she was unable to reach him.

    “When she, however, reached out to one Tracey, a supervisor at the same facility, she was assured that everything was under control.

    “However, at about 6 a.m., she received a call from the deceased’s boss who told her to come to Favour Hospital, Afasho, with the assurance that everything was alright with her husband.

    “Being a nursing mother, she asked her elder sister to go to the hospital to see what the problem was. But on reaching the hospital, her sister met the lifeless body of her sister’s husband in his boss’ car.

    “The hospital had rejected Fidelis, saying he was brought in dead.

    “Upon observation, they noticed strange marks and injuries on the deceased’s body, which may have been as a result of the torture and pain inflicted on him before he passed on,” the petition said.

    The petitioner alleged that the deceased was in the custody of his boss until his death and that since this incident, the boss had been walking freely.

    She alleged that the Divisional Police Officer, Auchi Divisional Headquarters, from whose jurisdiction the incident happened, had not demonstrated any willingness to take necessary action toward addressing the suspicious homicide.

    The petitioner also claimed that since the incident happened on July 29, the police merely invited the parties involved without making any arrest.

    She added that the police were quick to jump into conclusion by absolving her husband’s boss of culpability in her husband’s death.

    The petitioner said she had lost confidence in the divisional police division in Auchi, hence her petition, calling on the inspector-general of police to take over the investigation.

    According to her, she still believes in the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force to get justice for her.

    When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Police Command in Edo, SP Moses Yamu, confirmed the case, saying it was under investigation.

  • Widow forced to drink water used in washing corpse of husband’s nephew

    Widow forced to drink water used in washing corpse of husband’s nephew

    A widow, identified as Mrs Patricia Eligbue, has been rescued after her husband’s relatives forced her to drink water used in washing the corpse of the husband’s nephew.

    Mrs Ify Obinabo, Commissioner, Anambra State Ministry for Women and Social Welfare made the disclosure while calling for the abolition of the practice of forcing widows to consume water used for bathing corpses in the State.

    Obinabo made the call on Tuesday in Awka, after the ministry rescued Mrs Eligbue from her relatives who forced her to drink water used in washing the corpse of her husband’s nephew.

    The incident occurred at Atani in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    “We are warning residents and communities to stop and desist from any form of harmful traditional practices against widows in the state. Such practices will not be tolerated.

    “Investigation revealed that the deceased died after a brief illness at his sister’s house at Ozubulu, in Ekwusigo Local Government Area.

    “The incident happened because the sister claimed that she saw Patricia (the widow) strangling the deceased in a dream.

    “The accused persons who denied the allegations have been trying to conceal the act until the ministry in collaboration with the police intervened.

    “They have been arrested and would be arraigned at the Children, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Magistrate court in Awka,” the Commissioner said.

    Narrating her ordeal, Eligbue, the widow, said her in-laws who had been maltreating her since she lost her husband, accused her of killing the deceased.

    “They called me a witch and subjected me to all kinds of abuses. They also said I am responsible for all the unfortunate things happening to them.

    “After the death of my husband’s nephew, my husband’s family summoned me inside the room where they kept the dead body on the burial day.

    “They placed a cutlass on the deceased body and asked me to walk over it four times before they now bath the corpse and forced me to drink the water before pouring the remaining on me,” she said.

  • Pregnant widow rescued from ejection by in-laws

    Pregnant widow rescued from ejection by in-laws

    The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) rescued a pregnant widow from forceful ejection from her home by her late husband’s brothers.

    Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of DSVA, made this known on Friday on the agency’s Twitter handle.

    She said that concerned​ Lagos residents on Thursday reported the case to the agency.

    “We received several distress calls from concerned​ and well meaning​ residents that a certain recently widowed woman was about to be forcefully ejected from her home by her late husband’s brothers.

    “The widow, whose husband died on Tuesday,  Jan. 10, has a toddler, and she is also pregnant,

    “The widow was allegedly beaten in the process of trying to eject her from her home.

    “We assigned field officers alongside officers from the Alausa Police Station, who were immediately dispatched to the home where the incident occurred.

    “After series of engagements with the disputing parties, we were able to restore peace even as an undertaken was made, to ensure the widow and her child were safe in their home,” Vivour-Adeniyi said.

    According to her, while customs and traditions are respected, the relevant laws in the state must be upheld.

    She commended all the well meaning Lagos residents, who insisted that justice must prevail, showing that ensuring the menace of domestic violence was a collective responsibility.

    The DSVA boss reassured residents of the state that Gov. Babajide Sanwo- Olu’s administration was committed to a Lagos that was free from all forms of Domestic and Sexual Violence.

    Vivour-Adeniyi encouraged anyone experiencing domestic or sexual violence to reach out through the agency’s toll free line- 08000-333-333.

    “We are accessible any day, any time,” she said.

  • Police IG gives N24m to police widows in Ondo

    Police IG gives N24m to police widows in Ondo

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, has doled out more than N24million to the widows of late policemen in the Ondo State Police Command.

    This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Funmilayo Omisanya.

    According to the statement, the gesture is meant to make the widows smile during the yuletide season.

    “The IGP gifted the family of the deceased officers the sum of N24, 482,781.05 to help ease their financial burden.

    “The Commissioner of Police, CP Oyeyemi Oyediran, who presented the cheques to the beneficiaries on behalf of the IGP charged them to be prudent with the money.

    “The families in turn appreciated the unflinching support received from the IGP and the command at large,” the statement said.

  • My heart still hurts, empty 1-year after – Tony Uranta’s widow

    My heart still hurts, empty 1-year after – Tony Uranta’s widow

    Mrs Baarong Tony-Uranta, wife of late human rights activist Mr Tony Uranta, on Thursday said that her heart still hurts and feels empty, one year after the death of her beloved husband.

    Uranta, 67, died on Nov. 25, 2021, at the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital, LUTH.

    Speaking with newsmen at the first-year memorial, organised by family, friends, associates, and former schoolmates of the late Uranta at his residence in Lagos, the widow said though she was convinced her husband is with his Maker, she could not help but feel lonely and saddened.

    “Not a day passes that I cannot help but shed tears of sadness and Joy. Sadness because he is gone and the challenges I face as a widow, and Joy because I know he lived a good life and is with God.

    “TIU was my love, my backbone and a great dad to my daughter, Amy. We cannot wish for a better husband and father.

    “He left shoes too big for me to fill, not just as a single parent now but as a philanthropist.

    “We had a home that was open to all. He had so many people he was taking care of financially. I try but it is not just easy to do all we did together for humanity while he was alive.

    “I am still trying to find my feet and with God’s help, I know I will survive the blow, at least for our child and all those he took care of,” she said.

    Baarong explained that the gathering was for fellowship and prayers for the family.

    She expressed gratitude to all those who were there for the family in those trying times, especially the Church, House on the Rock for their support during the funeral in Lagos and in Queenstown Port Harcourt, Rivers.

    She, however, said that her late husband was a warrior and change agent, who always imagined a restructured Nigeria even on his sick bed.

    “He was always imagining how to advance the cause of one Nigeria. I will continue to pray for his lofty dreams to come true.”

  • Abia gov, Ikpeazu’s wife rescues widow attacked for alleged witchcraft

    Abia gov, Ikpeazu’s wife rescues widow attacked for alleged witchcraft

    The Wife of Abia Gov., Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu, has rescued a widow, Mrs Amarachi Okechi, who was brutally assaulted at Umueghu Amaegbuato Community for alleged witchcraft.

    Mr Chika Ojiegbe, the Chief Press Secretary to Ikpeazu, disclosed this on Monday, while addressing newsmen in Umuahia on the ugly development.

    Okechi was allegedly flogged repeatedly and held hostage for several days after being accused of being a witch by her husband’s relatives.

    Ojiegbe said: “When the First Lady heard about it on Sunday night, she immediately swung into action to rescue the woman.

    “Several stakeholders were involved in rescuing her alive, which is the first action that needed to be taken and this has been done.

    “Also, the woman has been taken to an undisclosed public hospital for treatment.

    “The next stage will be to address the issues surrounding the matter.

    “The case will be closely monitored,” he said, adding that Ikpeazu would foot the bill for her medical treatment.

    Ojiegbe said the rescue team included officials from the Gender Based Violence Resource Centre, Office of the Wife of thr Gov.

    He described the allegations of witchcraft as strange to the laws of the land.

    According to him, what is known to law is that no one can take the law into their hands to execute jungle justice.

    “In this case the law will take its course.

    “Ikpeazu will continue to work to prevent and mitigate such violence against humans.

    “She will also continue to sensitise the people against such harmful traditional practices, especially in rural communities,” Ojiegbe said.

    He further said that such incidents were not acceptable in the state.

    He said that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law had been domesticated and being implemented in Abia.

    Ojiegbe also said that efforts were being made for the House of Assembly to domesticate the Obnoxious Widowhood Practices Prohibition Bill, Equal Opportunities Bill, Child Rights Bill, Disability Bill and many other rights bills.

    Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna, said that the matter had been brought to the command.

    Ogbonna said that the command had commenced full investigation into it but no arrest had yet been made.

  • My husband married me for s3x, chores – Widow of 4 children tells court

    A widow of four children and later married, Chinwe, has informed an Igando Customary Court in Lagos State, that her husband, Irinsanmi Ayeniberu, only married her to have s3x with her and do chores for him.

     

    In the matter which came up on Thursday, Ayeniberu, a transporter, had approached the court to grant him a divorce on grounds of incompatibility with his wife of four years, Chinwe.

     

    The petitioner, a resident of No. 15, African Mission St., Igando, said that Chinwe, who he married after his first wife’s death, was quarrelsome, disrespectful and intolerant.

     

    “My son’s wife, who was living with me, had to move out because of the way my wife quarrels with her. My two sons also moved out, she doesn’t find it hard to hurl insults at them and fight them,” he said.

     

    Responding, Ms Chinwe, a trader, denied the allegations, claiming that her husband married her dubiously.

     

    He never told me I won’t give birth for him. He married me knowing I had four children for my late husband.

     

    “He promised to take care of me and my children, but they were all lies. I took in sometime in 2018 and gave birth to a boy who was healthy. Immediately my husband came to see that boy, he passed away,” she said.

     

    The respondent told the court that when she got pregnant again, her husband gave her ab*rtion pills, claiming they were for dysentery.

     

    “I bled for almost two weeks and lost that baby, he later told me that it was embarrassing for him to have a baby at old age.

     

    He said he only married me to be having s3x with him, washing his clothes, cooking and caring for him, and I asked him what would be my gain in the marriage.

     

    “He said he didn’t know but I should stick to what he told me,” she said, adding that her husband called her a secondhand material.

     

    The respondent also said there were attempts to poison her and make her miscarry a pregnancy.

     

    She also said that her stepchildren, on several occasions, beat her with brooms and sticks and scattered her wares.

     

    Ms Chinwe said that her husband wanted divorce because of her refusal to go for family planning.

     

    The Court President, Koledoye Adeniyi, adjourned the case until June 28 for further hearing.

     

  • ANAMBRA: Seven in-laws in jail for stripping widow naked in public

    ANAMBRA: Seven in-laws in jail for stripping widow naked in public

    Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Echeng Eworo, has confirmed the remand in prison of seven in-laws to a widow, whom they allegedly stripped naked following accusation that she killed her husband in Aguleri community.

     

    The victim was stripped naked and paraded round the community by her in-laws, as curses were rained on her for allegedly causing the death of her husband through adultery.

     

    CP Echeng, on Tuesday, said the seven persons were also remanded in prison, adding that the Anambra State Police Command had continued the search for other suspects involved in the act.

     

    He stated these during a courtesy visit by the Ultimate Business Women and Farmers Association of Nigeria at the police headquarters in Awka.

     

    The CP said those involved in the torture of the widow would face the full wrath of the law, stressing the need to protect the dignity of womanhood.