The family of a 46-year-old Ondo businessman, Kayode Akinbolusere, popularly known as Tolufe, has demanded a thorough investigation into his death, with his uncle alleging that someone might have held a gun to his back while he recorded a controversial video surrendering his properties.
The businessman, owner of Esther Estate, reportedly died on Thursday after allegedly ingesting a poisonous substance in his office at Igba, Ondo State.
His death has sparked controversy following the circulation of a video he recorded shortly before the incident, in which he announced that he was leaving his properties to his wife, Esther, and their three children living in Canada.
In the recording, Kayode insisted that nobody pressured him into making the declaration, while recounting his struggles and praising his wife for standing by him when he had little.
He said he was making the video voluntarily and explained that he had started his business from scratch but was recently troubled by difficulties, including the breakdown of machines used for his operations.
He also described his wife as supportive, recalling how she stood by him when he was working as a barber and had little money.
However, his uncle, Femi Akinbolusere, has questioned the circumstances surrounding the recording, suggesting that the businessman might have been forced to make the declaration.
The uncle raised the alarm over what he considered an unusual reference to surrendering his properties, wondering whether someone was behind the camera directing the businessman on what to say.
He suggested that a gun might have been pointed at Kayode from behind while he was recording the video, insisting that security operatives should carefully examine the footage and investigate whether he acted freely.
Femi also questioned why the businessman would describe the transfer of his properties as a surrender rather than an ordinary declaration of his will.
He urged the police to investigate the people who might have had access to the deceased in his final hours and establish whether anyone influenced the recording.
The uncle further called for an autopsy to determine the actual cause of death and urged investigators to question those who could provide information about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command said its preliminary findings had not revealed visible signs of violence on the businessman’s body.
The police spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, said operatives attached to the Bolorunduro Division visited the scene after receiving information that Kayode had been found dead in his office beside BOVAS Petrol Station, Igba, at about 3pm on Thursday.
Two empty bottles suspected to have contained Sniper insecticide were reportedly recovered from a nearby bush.
The police said the businessman’s remains had been evacuated and deposited at the State Hospital Morgue for preservation and further examination.
Although no visible marks of violence were observed during the initial examination, the command said investigations had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.
The family’s allegation that a gun might have been pointed at the businessman remains unsubstantiated.
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