Late Politician’s wife, three children fear returning to Nigeria amid alleged threats

The family of the late Hon. Oladotun Olakanle, a former Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), has expressed serious concern over the safety of his widow and three children should they return to Nigeria, alleging that individuals linked to the late politician’s past political battles may still pose a threat to them.

The alarm was raised by Mr. Hassan Olamilekan Jibril, a close friend of the deceased. Jibril stated that Olakanle’s widow, Mrs. Olakanle Adefunke Fatimah Hassan, and their three children, Posoluwa Faith Olakanle, Posiwa Godswill Olakanle, and Posolami Miracle Olakanle have endured years of security threats stemming from the late politician’s public service and political activities.

According to Jibril, Mrs. Hassan and the three children relocated to the United States in 2016 alongside the late politician following a series of threats directed at the family.

Jibril alleged that armed men once invaded Olakanle’s residence while he was away, assaulting his mother, the late Mrs. Olakanle Olabisi Felicia, and his younger sister, Mrs. Adegboye Alake Olushola.

The mother was subsequently hospitalized and later died, while the sister sustained serious injuries. He noted that the violent incident severely heightened fears over the safety of Olakanle and his immediate family.

Jibril also alleged that Olakanle, his wife, and their children survived another ambush along the Opebi–Sheraton corridor in Ikeja ahead of the 2016 local government elections. Unidentified men reportedly ambushed the vehicle carrying the family, opening fire and smashing the windows with dangerous weapons.

One of the children, Posoluwa Faith Olakanle, suffered facial injuries in the assault and was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Jibril explained that these escalating incidents prompted the family to remain in the United States.

Olakanle later assumed office as Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA in 2020 following the demise of the substantive chairman, Barrister Francis Babatunde Oke. Upon taking office, the late chairman reportedly launched efforts to address alleged financial and administrative irregularities within the council. Jibril claimed that these attempts to strengthen internal controls and foster accountability generated fierce opposition from vested interests.

He also recalled an earlier attempt to impeach Olakanle, which was subsequently reversed, leading to the chairman’s full reinstatement.

The former council chairman died on November 2, 2024, after attending a political gathering on October 31, 2024, where he reportedly complained of severe abdominal pain before being hospitalized. Jibril alleged that the suspicious circumstances surrounding his death pointed to potential poisoning, leading to a subsequent autopsy.

Following Olakanle’s passing, Jibril claimed that unidentified individuals invaded the late politician’s residence, ransacked the premises, and made off with valuables.

He further alleged that surviving family members were warned that the perpetrators would return for Olakanle’s wife and children.

These persistent threats have left Mrs. Hassan and her children terrified of returning to Nigeria.

Consequently, relatives and close associates have advised them against traveling back until their safety can be fully guaranteed. Jibril emphasized that the family’s apprehension stems not only from Olakanle’s abrupt death, but also from a protracted history of political rivalries, violent attacks, and intimidation by his opponents.

“The concern is that the issues did not end with his death. There are still people who believe the family remains vulnerable because of the political battles that surrounded him,” Jibril stated.

He appealed to the relevant law enforcement and investigative authorities to launch a thorough inquiry into Olakanle’s death, the post-mortem break-in at his home, and the ongoing threats against his widow and children.

Jibril maintained that the family should not be pressured to return to an environment where their lives remain at grave risk, urging authorities to treat their security concerns with utmost urgency.