A 46-year-old businessman and owner of Esther Estate in Ondo State, Akinbolusere Kayode, has reportedly died in an apparent suicide after recording a video in which he spoke about his personal and business challenges.
Kayode, popularly known as Tolufe, was found dead on Thursday in his office beside a BOVAS petrol station in Igba town, Ondo State.
In the video, which has since circulated on social media, the businessman announced plans to bequeath his properties to his wife, Esther, and their three children, who reside in Canada.
He stated that the decision was voluntary and that nobody had pressured him into making it.
Kayode also acknowledged his wife’s support throughout his entrepreneurial journey, recalling how she stood by him during difficult times, including when he worked as a barber.
“My wife stood by me when I had nothing and never for once wronged me. She was very supportive when I had nothing, especially when I was working as a barber. I was the one who destroyed everything with carelessness,” he said.
The businessman also spoke about challenges in his business, including faults with the first and second machines he used, which he said left him questioning what was going wrong.
Abayomi Jimoh, the Ondo State Police spokesperson, confirmed Kayode’s death in a statement on Friday.
Jimoh said officers attached to the Bolorunduro Police Division visited the scene after receiving information about the incident.
“The incident was reported following information received from members of the public that the deceased, a resident of Road 7, Housing Estate, Igba, had died in his office located beside BOVAS Petrol Station, Igba Town, at about 1500hrs on the said date,” the statement reads.
The police spokesperson said preliminary findings indicated that Kayode had recorded a video before his death, in which he reportedly spoke about his personal struggles.
He added that the deceased’s remains were taken to the state hospital morgue for preservation and further examination.
“Upon receipt of the information, police operatives attached to Bolorunduro Division visited the scene, where two empty bottles suspected to have contained Sniper insecticide were recovered from nearby bush,” Jimoh said.
“No foul play or visible marks of violence were observed on his body at the time of examination.”
Jimoh further disclosed that Felix Ohagwu, the state Commissioner of Police, had ordered a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the actual cause of death.