A Nigerian entrepreneur from Ondo State, Arikawe Olakunle Moses has revealed a tumultuous personal journey marked by tragedy, betrayal, and resilience. Born on November 23, 1983, Moses grew up in a polygamous family in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, with five siblings from his mother and three from his father’s second wife.
Tragedy struck in 2007 when Moses’ parents and a younger step-sibling, David Arikawe, were killed in a Boko Haram attack while en route to a family event. Following the loss, Moses and his half-brother, Kayode Arikawe, fled to Lagos for safety. Kayode, who was already enlisted in the military, transferred to Lagos to begin his career as a soldier, while Moses began rebuilding his life as an entrepreneur.
With financial stability from a successful grocery store in South Africa, Moses entrusted his brother with overseeing the construction of a house in Lagos. Over several years, Moses sent approximately $450,000 to Kayode, believing the house was completed based on photos sent by his brother. Upon returning to Nigeria in October 2023, Moses discovered the project was incomplete, while Kayode had used the funds to rent a luxury duplex in Abuja.
The situation escalated during a confrontation in Abuja, where Kayode revealed Moses’ bisexuality—a taboo in Nigerian culture—leading to further fallout. The revelation caused a rift with Moses’ wife, who left with their children, and exposed Moses to legal and societal risks.
Despite the betrayal and public humiliation, Moses’ immediate younger brother, Jacob Arikawe, stood by him, facilitating his escape to Canada with a valid visa. This marked a new chapter for Moses, who now seeks to rebuild his life away from the challenges of his past.
The story highlights the complexities of family dynamics, societal stigma, and the resilience required to overcome personal and financial losses.
