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A resident of Obanla community of Akure in Ondo state, Opeyemi Salako has been reported to have escaped death twice for being gay and now is on the run for his life.
While narrating the development to newsmen, a source in the community that pleaded anonymity noted that Opeyemi had lived in the community with his partner for long but they both have been hiding their orientation because of stigmatization.
“Opeyemi has been in a discreet same-sex relationship with his partner for a while, they were living together while maintaining secrecy due to the socio-cultural and legal risks involved. Despite efforts to hide their relationship, the community became suspicious due to their close living arrangements and frequent interactions.
“Neighbours and local residents began to refer to them 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.
“One day they were in the house when their house was invaded by known community leaders accompanied by hoodlums, they brought them out and dealt with them mercilessly before handing them over to the Police. They were later bailed by their family.
“After some time had passed and the initial alleged scandal appeared to have faded, Opeyemi began to rebuild some semblance of normalcy. He resumed living alone and stayed in discreet contact with his former partner.
“One evening in December 2024, his partner visited him, believing it was safe. It was learnt that they had intimacy that night, not knowing that they were being watched.
“Suddenly, a mob broke into their house during the night. This time, the attack was even more violent and deliberate. They arrived armed with cutlasses, petrol, and matches, clearly intending to cause grievous harm or possibly to kill them. They were lucky to escape but with serious injuries.
“Following that attack, Opeyemi became a wanted man in our community. The Community leaders revisited the earlier filed complaints with the state criminal investigation department Akure, and he had to flee the community.
“His family, especially his mother and sibling, were subjected to renewed harassment and were ultimately driven out of the community due to the “shame” associated with his identity”, the source said.
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 describing it as a deeply symbolic and culturally significant act in the region.
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