A family torn apart by tradition

Onasanya Jadesola Kafilat, a Nigerian woman whose life has been marked by both joy and tragedy. This is her sworn testimony.

On November 10, 2016, Onasanya Jadesola Kafilat, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Onasanya Agbeke Kanyinsola. However, the joy was short-lived when, on May 13, 2017, tragedy struck, and the baby tragically passed away due to unforeseen complications.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, life continued. On May 1, 2021, Jadesola gave birth to another baby girl. However, her happiness was once again overshadowed by conflict within the family. On June 16, 2021, tensions flared as her mother-in-law and other family members insisted on performing a traditional rite on the new baby. Jadesola’s steadfast refusal ignited a fierce dispute.

Adekunle Musibau Olateju, now the head of the Olateju family, took a hardline stance. He proclaimed that the family’s well-being hinged on adhering to tradition and threatened severe consequences for non-compliance. His threats included resorting to diabolical means or even violence to ensure the family’s customs were upheld.

On May 10, 2024, the tension erupted into violence. Jadesola’s family compound was attacked by her husband’s relatives, who blamed their misfortunes on Jadesola’s refusal to comply with the traditional demands. They insisted that failing to adhere to the customs would invoke the wrath of their gods, potentially resulting in multiple deaths within their family .

The situation escalated as the compound was set on fire. Properties were destroyed, and many residents.

Despite the gravity of the situation, efforts to seek justice have been thwarted. Although the case was reported to the police, the authorities have been ineffective. Promises of action have remained unfulfilled, leaving Jadesola and her family in a perilous limbo.