January 16, 2026
A Nigerian, Benjamin Ikhuoria Odia has reportedly become the target of family and communal ostracizing and possible violence after photographs of his participation in a Pride Parade event in Canada became known to his family and members of his community.
Though currently living in Canada, several sources familiar with his circumstances say he is living in fear and unable to safely return to his community in Nigeria following the public disclosure of his bisexual identity.
Family members and members of his local community in Benin, Edo State Nigeria were enraged upon learning of his sexual orientation and threatened to make him pay dearly for allegedly bringing shame upon the Odia family and the community.
Orijo Reporter gathered that Odia’s ordeal and fears for his safety if he ever return to Nigeria began after his participation in a Pride Parade event in Canada became known among people in his Nigerian community.
Findings by Orijo Reporter revealed that the hostilities and threat of violence directed at him increased after photographs and information relating to his involvement with the LGBTQ+ community in Canada were circulated among family members and community residents.
According to two source who were residents of the community (names withheld) photographs and chat messages relating to his involvement with the LGBTQ+ community in Canada were circulated among family members and community residents, resulting in increased outrage and anger and toward him.
The two sources maintained that the situation escalated in late December 2025 after a man identified as Oluwafemi, who was fingered as Benjamin’s former intimate partner, was reportedly arrested.
Our correspondent further gathered that photographs and videos of Oluwafemi and Benjamin engaged in sexual dalliances were found in Oluwafemi’s phone after his arrest.
Oluwafemi was reported to have been arrested by the police, but it is unclear if he is still being detained by the police.
Multiple sources familiar with Benjamin’s travails told this news outlet that he was subsequently informed that community elders had discussed the matter and that family members wanted him to return to Nigeria for what was described as “spiritual cleansing” process.
“Of course we’re not happy with Benjamin Ikhuoria Odia. He has brought shame to our family and community by this unholy act. We are a traditional family, such behaviour is an abomination in our family and community,” a family source told our correspondent when he visited the family quarters in Benin. Edo State.
The source who was granted anonymity because he was not the official family spokesperson added that “We were magnanimous at first and offered him an easy way out., which was that he submit to spiritual cleansing as demanded by our tradition.
“However, he has refused that pathway. Now, that window has closed, he must faces a dire consequences which may include both spiritual and physical punitive measures.”
When asked why the family and the community seem to have opted to take the laws into their hands, the source retorted: “That is not the case.
Continuing he stated that “The Police have invited him for questioning, they are doing their job. On our part, we’re simply taking traditional steps to redress his immoral behaviour that has caused us shame and embarrassment,” he concluded.
The development has reportedly left Benjamin deeply concerned about what could happen should he return to Nigeria.
Sources say he believes that his sexual orientation, which he had kept private for many years, has now become known within his community and could expose him to arrest, violence, intimidation and other forms of persecution.
Benjamin Ikhuoria Odia initially arrived in Canada as an international student in August 2023.
Yet another source said to be close to Odia insisted “Odia is now effectively on the run from the danger he believes awaits him in his home community, and that returning to Nigeria would place his life and personal safety at serious risk.”
Observers insist his case highlights the continuing difficulties faced by Nigerians who identify as LGBTQ+ and who fear that the disclosure of their sexual orientation could expose them to being ostracized by their family members, violent hostilities from their community groups and possible prosecution and imprisonment by Nigerian authorities.
