The Obanla community in Ondo state has declared one, Salako Opeyemi wanted over his alleged sexual relationship with a fellow man (gay marriage).

Reports from the area indicate that a ritual was allegedly performed by elders in the community, during which a dog was killed to place a death curse on Opeyemi—a deeply symbolic and culturally significant act in the region.

According to a source within the community, the community leaders and residents had one time invaded his residence, beating him and his partner who later fled to stupor before handing him over to the Police before his family bailed him.

“They have been in a discreet same-sex relationship with his partner for close to a year. They were living together while maintaining secrecy due to the socio-cultural and legal risks involved. Despite efforts to hide their relationship, community members became suspicious due to their close living arrangements and frequent interactions.

“Neighbours and local residents began to refer to them disparagingly as “gay couples” and subjected them to constant verbal abuse, mockery, and discrimination. They often denied the nature of their relationship to avoid confrontation and potential violence.

“The hostility extended to their family as well. Although Opeyemi’s mother and sibling did not live in the same house, they were harassed and stigmatized by community members who ridiculed and insulted them over the perceived sexuality of their son/brother. The pressure and emotional toll on him and his family increased over time.

“On the evening of Saturday, November 19, 2022, they were at home when suddenly, a group of about six to seven men forcibly entered our home after banging on the door, accompanied by some community leaders.

“The intruders, many of whom were known faces from the community, began shouting accusations such as “So you are the ones practising gay here!” (“Na una dey practise gay abi”).

“They both tried to defend themselves and inquire about the intrusion, but they were met with physical aggression. One man grabbed Opeyemi’s trousers while another seized his partner, slapping them and shouting further abuse in Yoruba: “Na una dey spoil our community… na una be devilish people”.

“They were forcibly dragged outside, with his partner shirtless and we both were beaten in front of a growing crowd, including landlords and local elders. As they were assaulted, the crowd jeered and tore at their clothes, leaving them bloodied and humiliated. Some members of the crowd insisted that they be handed over to the police for allegedly committing the “crime of gayism.”

“They were eventually dragged to the state criminal investigation department at Igbatoro road in Akure the capital city of Ondo State where we were paraded like criminals and forced to write statements. They were detained for 24 hours before being granted bail by their relatives.

“Following their release, Opeyemi was taken to a hospital due to the severity of his injuries and was admitted for treatment.”

The source noted further that following this traumatic event, Opeyemi’s partner relocated from the community adding that Opeyemi himself could not walk freely in public and lived under a constant cloud of fear, shame, and public scrutiny.

Affairs TV News

Click Here to Join our WhatsApp Group

Click Here to Join Our Telegram Group