Widow decries harassment, threats from in-laws

The tragic loss of a loved one can be devastating, but for Mrs. Afolabi Christiana Bose, the widow of the late Mr. Afolabi Oluwasegunota Sunday, her grief has been compounded by relentless harassment from her late husband’s family. Following her husband’s untimely death on April 7, 2021, she has faced a series of accusations and intimidation from his relatives, both paternal and maternal.

“They accused me of poisoning my husband, claiming I was responsible for his death,” Mrs. Afolabi Christiana Bose revealed. In addition to the unfounded allegations, they disparaged her for giving birth to four female children, stating that they were “useless” and had no rights to inherit their father’s property.

The harassment escalated when her husband’s family forcibly took over the home where she had lived with Mr. Afolabi Oluwasegunota Sunday and their children.

“They came with thugs, stormed our house, and chased us out. I had no choice but to relocate with my children for our safety,” she explained.

Believing she had found some peace after the relocation, Mrs. Afolabi was soon proven wrong. Her husband’s family members tracked her down and continued their demands, insisting that she hand over what remained of her late husband’s properties. When she refused, they issued chilling threats, vowing to take her children by force if she did not comply.

Fearing for her children’s safety, Mrs. Afolabi made the painful decision to withdraw her daughters from school.

“They even went to their schools to harass them,” she said.

The constant fear of losing her children and the threats to their well-being have left her feeling vulnerable and desperate.

As Mrs. Afolabi navigates this challenging ordeal, she calls for protection and justice, hoping that her story will prompt authorities and the public to take notice and help safeguard the rights of widows and their children against such forms of intimidation.