For most people, family is the most cherished unit of life. But Raufu Funmilayo, it was gathered that her past relationship became the reason she was being haunted, humiliated, and forced to flee her homeland.
Funmilayo had a lifelong battle with her abusive baby father, Mr Adeleke of the Adeleke’s political dynasty in Ede, Osun state, Nigeria, in regards to her daughter’s paternity. Our correspondent gathered that the incident was connected to Funmilayo’s relationship to Mr Adeleke, a relation to the current state governor Ademola Jackson Adeleke , he exposed Funmilayo’s same-sex relationships, knowing that it is not only taboo but a criminal offense, punishable by the law.
“ Nigerians knows same sex relationship is condemn. Communities were culturally informed to tailor hatred towards same sex relationship.Adeleke reinterated and claimed that Funmilayo was living a life of duality in conformity.
On June 8th, 2025, some hoodlums attacked Funmilayo’s family residence at Ede, Osun state, looking for her and her daughter, Funmilayo’s brother managed to escape from the residence, her parent and some neighbors was brutalized. Our correspondent spoke to her mother, her brother, and her direct neighbor ( both names withhold). They all narrated that their eye witness experiences as follows.
” it all started from july 1st, 2023. Mr Iyiola Adeleke and Mr Adeleke himself visited and disclosed that a colleague of Mr Iyiola Adeleke who happened to be Funmilayo’s ex husband, Mr Joel alleged her ex- wife married him with another man’s pregnancy, he confided in Mr Iyiola that her ex-wife (Funmilayo) was alleged to have gave him a bastard daughter ( Opeyemi Faith) during their wedlock. He was diagnosed with low sperm count. On showing the pictures of Funmilayo and her bastard daughter to him, Mr Iyiola discovered the ex-wife in question was his cousin’s old secondary school junior. Funmilayo, with her daughter in question, he noticed a resemblance of his cousin ( Mr Adeleke ) with the young girl. On contacting his cousin and members of their family, Mr Adeleke opened up on his secret sexual escapade with Funmilayo in the past. He has been childless afterward the incident. There was the optimism of him being the father to Faith Opeyemi ( Funmilayo’sbastard daughter) .
The Adeleke’s family began a quest to recover the young girl from her. They tried to engage with her and her family, but all their efforts proved abortive. Mr Adeleke wrote a petition of gay exposure to the Osun state Police Force Area command, Oshogbo. The Nigerian police visited Funmilayo’s family house on December 26th, 2024. The search for unmilayo was intensified. Many Gay members were arrested, and her name was among the names that were mentioned to authorities. Few days later, the police visited her family’s house, looking for Funmilayo. It was ger mother that informed her of the policemen visite to the family’s house, they claimed she was wanted for engaging in bi-sexual activities,” the neighbors and her mom recounted. Panic set in the family, too, they knew staying in Nigeria meant risking arrest, prosecution,violence, or worse.
Her new husband, Mr Iskil Ogunyomi, arranged for her and his daughter Myesha Olamide Ogunyomi canada visa. It was a blessing, and it became her salvation.Her departure, however, came with heartbreak. Her new husband’s family was also threatened by the Adeleke’s. His family, shocked and embarrassed, blames her for keeping the secret away from Mr Adeleke, quite aware of their political strength and their affluence. Her mother, once her sanctuary, is now overwhelmed by shame from community gossip.
She has since filed a refugee protection claim in Canada, citing the grave dangers she faces if returned. “she’s in dire need of Canada’s protection,” she pleaded. “Returning home will expose her to discrimination, extortion, persecution, and a possible 14-year jail term.”
Her ’s story is a stark reminder of the life-threatening consequences of Nigeria’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Her journey is not just personal. It is emblematic of a broader human rights crisis faced by sexual minorities across the country.
“She just wants to live freely. To love freely. Without fear,” she said.
As she awaits the Canadian government’s decision, she holds on to a single hope: safety with the Canada’s board of immigration and refugees.