…Police recover two empty insecticide bottles

Shock has gripped Ondo town, headquarters of the Ondo West Local Council Area of Ondo State, following the death of prominent businessman Kayode Akinbolusere, owner of Esther Estate, who allegedly committed suicide.

Prior to his death, Akinbolusere recorded a video that went viral on social media, in which he addressed his family, business struggles, and personal will.

In the recording of the last few minutes, he spoke about his humble beginnings as a barber, the support of his wife, and the breakdown of three machines used in his factory, which he said had left him emotionally exhausted.

He stated that he was leaving all his properties to his first wife, Esther Akinbolusere, and their three children who reside in Canada.

While stating that nobody pressured him into making the will, he expressed regret over how he had treated his wife, admitting that she was not responsible for the difficulties in their relationship, and recalled how she stood by him when he had nothing.

In the video, he said, “I am doing this on my own; nobody put pressure on me. I woke up and left for work, leaving my family at home. The first and second machines I was using at work developed a fault. I was imagining what was happening.

“When I started my business, I started from scratch and was very transparent about it. My wife knew how I suffered. She didn’t trouble me. I will give all my properties to my wife, Akinbolusere Esther, who hails from Ekiti, and my three children, who are in Canada.”

He added, “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.”

A source, who listened to an audio conversation between the deceased businessman and someone believed to be his lawyer, said Akinbolusere mentioned prominent sons of his place of birth as witnesses to the will.

The source said, “He said he has done a lot for the second wife and does not want the second wife to trouble his first wife. He said he bought a house, cars, and land worth 30 million Naira for the second wife, so he has settled the second wife.

“He even mentioned in the conversation that as he is about to leave this world, nobody should trouble his first wife and three children.”

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed they had recovered two empty bottles suspected to have contained sniper insecticide from a nearby bush after the 46-year-old was found dead.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident on Friday, stating that operatives attached to the Bolorunduro Division visited the scene after a report by members of the public.

According to him, preliminary findings revealed no foul play or visible marks of violence on the body, which was evacuated and deposited at the State Hospital Morgue for preservation and further examination.

He said, “The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed a thorough investigation to establish the actual cause of death.”

The Command urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and allow the investigation to run its course.

It also advised individuals experiencing emotional distress, marital challenges, or other personal difficulties to seek timely support and assistance rather than resort to actions that could endanger their lives.