Family questions circumstances surrounding death of 46-year-old businessman, while police launch investigation into suspected suicide
The death of a prominent Ondo State businessman, Akinbolusere Kayode, popularly known as Tolufe, has sparked widespread reactions, grief and questions following the circulation of an emotional video in which he announced plans to leave his properties to his wife and three children.
Kayode, a 46-year-old entrepreneur and owner of Esther Estate in Ondo State, reportedly died on Thursday, October 29, 2026, in his office around the Igba area of Ondo town.
His death has attracted considerable public attention, particularly because of the video he recorded shortly before the incident, in which he reflected on his entrepreneurial journey, family relationships, business difficulties and the people he wanted to inherit his wealth.
However, what initially appeared to be an emotional farewell message has taken another dimension, with members of his family questioning the circumstances surrounding his death and calling for a thorough investigation.
What He Said in the Viral Video
In the video, which has circulated widely across social media platforms, Kayode spoke about his humble beginnings, recalling how he started his journey as a barber before establishing businesses and building what eventually became his estate development enterprise.
He disclosed that he had decided to bequeath his properties to his wife, Akinbolusere Esther Adenike, who hails from Ekiti State, and their three children, who are reportedly based in Canada.
Insisting that nobody influenced his decision, the businessman repeatedly maintained that he was acting voluntarily and wanted his family to benefit from the wealth he had accumulated over the years.
He also spoke warmly about his wife's contributions to his life, acknowledging her support during the difficult period when he had little or nothing.
According to him, she remained supportive throughout his early struggles, particularly during his days as a barber, before he eventually established himself in business.
He also expressed regret over certain difficulties in their relationship, taking responsibility for some of the challenges rather than blaming his wife.
His emotional remarks have become one of the most discussed aspects of the incident, with many social media users expressing sadness over the circumstances surrounding his final message. 
Business Challenges Also Featured in His Final Message
Beyond his family and property declarations, Kayode spoke about challenges confronting his business, particularly technical problems involving some of the machines used in his operations.
He disclosed that three machines had developed faults, including two that experienced problems shortly after work commenced that morning.
The businessman, who described himself as someone who started from scratch, expressed frustration over the setbacks and reflected on the difficulties associated with building and sustaining his business.
His comments have prompted conversations about the often-unseen emotional pressures confronting entrepreneurs, particularly when business setbacks occur after years of investment, sacrifice and hard work.
Although the video offered some insight into what he was experiencing, it has not established the full circumstances that led to his death.
Family Raises Questions, Uncle Suspects Foul Play
While the police have commenced an investigation into the incident, the deceased's family has expressed reservations about the circumstances surrounding his death.
His uncle, Femi Akinbolusere, reportedly told Saturday PUNCH that the family suspected that Kayode might have been forced to record the video.
The uncle questioned the manner in which the businessman spoke about surrendering his properties, arguing that certain expressions and aspects of the recording deserved closer examination by security operatives.
He also called for an autopsy and urged investigators to examine the video carefully to establish whether the deceased was acting freely.
His comments have introduced another dimension to the unfolding story, particularly because the businessman had repeatedly stated in the recording that nobody pressured him into making the property declarations.
However, the uncle's allegations remain suspicions and have not been independently established. No evidence has so far been publicly presented to substantiate claims that anyone forced or threatened the businessman. 
What the Police Have Said
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command disclosed that Kayode was found dead in his office beside BOVAS Petrol Station in Igba town at approximately 3pm on Thursday.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said operatives attached to the Bolorunduro Police Division visited the scene following information received from members of the public.
According to the police, two empty bottles suspected to have contained Sniper insecticide were recovered from a nearby bush during preliminary investigations.
His remains were subsequently evacuated and deposited at the State Hospital Morgue for preservation and further examination.
The Command stated that no visible marks of violence or immediate indications of foul play were observed on his body during the initial examination.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has consequently ordered a thorough investigation to establish the actual circumstances surrounding the businessman's death.
The police have also appealed to members of the public to avoid speculation and allow investigators to carry out their responsibilities.
Social Media Reactions: Sympathy, Questions and Calls for Investigation
The development has generated considerable discussion across social media, with reactions reflecting different interpretations of the video and the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
While some commenters have expressed sympathy for the deceased's family and described his death as heartbreaking, others have questioned the circumstances surrounding the recording, particularly his repeated insistence that nobody pressured him into making the property declarations.
One Instagram commenter, identified as angelz.unlimited, reportedly suggested that the businessman might have been threatened into making the video.
However, such comments represent individual opinions and have not been supported by independently established evidence.
Beyond the online debate, reports have also described shock and sadness among residents, friends and associates who reportedly found his death difficult to comprehend.
Members of the Celestial Church of Christ, Omolore Parish, Yaba, Ondo, where he was reportedly a prominent figure, have also been mentioned among those mourning the businessman.
The Guardian further reported that a source familiar with an alleged audio conversation between Kayode and someone believed to be his lawyer claimed that the businessman had discussed arrangements concerning his properties and mentioned prominent individuals from his hometown as witnesses.
The same source alleged that Kayode had made provisions for his second wife, including a house, cars and land reportedly valued at about N30 million, while expressing his desire to protect his first wife and children from possible disputes.
These accounts have not been independently verified, and the identities and positions of the alleged witnesses have not been publicly established. 
Questions That Remain Unanswered
Beyond the emotional video and the competing reactions it has generated, several important issues remain unresolved.
Was the businessman experiencing deeper personal or business difficulties beyond what he disclosed in the recording? Were his property declarations properly documented as a legally valid will?
What exactly happened during his final hours, and will further investigations establish whether his death occurred under the circumstances initially suspected by the police?
These are questions that only a comprehensive investigation, including relevant forensic findings and statements from people close to him, can adequately address.
For now, the police investigation remains ongoing, while the family's concerns have reinforced the need for transparency in establishing the circumstances surrounding his death.
Kayode's story has also renewed conversations about the importance of emotional well-being, the pressures of entrepreneurship and the need for people experiencing overwhelming personal or professional difficulties to seek support.
His death leaves behind a grieving family, three children reportedly living abroad, business interests and a succession of unanswered questions that investigators will now have to address.
0 Comments