A Nigerian man, Olugbenga Adekunte Akapo, has issued a public statement after his name appeared in a viral tribute linked to the late Kingsley Aneke, triggering widespread backlash online.
In a post shared on his official Facebook page, Akapo addressed the reactions that followed the circulation of the tribute, explaining that the mention of his name made him a target of intense online hostility.
According to him, the development led to an influx of criticism, insults, and hostile messages from Nigerians across various social media platforms, even as he was grieving the loss of a close friend.
Akapo described Kingsley Aneke as someone he met through Facebook and gradually formed a strong bond with, noting that Aneke’s death affected him deeply.
He stated that the situation became particularly distressing when the announcement of Aneke’s death and burial arrangements mentioned his name in a manner that sparked political attacks.
He added that many reactions framed his perceived political preferences as wrongdoing, with some individuals resorting to verbal abuse, spiritual condemnation, and even death wishes.
Akapo expressed regret that a personal loss was dragged into political and tribal debates, describing the experience as painful and unfair.
He said …
“Kingsley Aneke is dead and gone, it a painful and crazy loss. This is a friend I met on this same Facebook and his death hit me so bad!
My name was specifically featured in the post announcing the death and burial arrangement of a friend as if it is a crime to support a candidate or political party.
The said post is trending with some people abusing and hurling insults at me and the other person mentioned in the said post. Some said I should go for deliverance, some said I should be ashamed, some are wishing bad things happen to me and some even went as far as wishing me death.
Nigeria’s challenges didn’t start in 2023, it didn’t start with President Tinubu nor the APC. It is painful a friend’s loss is being politicised with my support being attributed to tribal sentiments.
My phone has been ringing and messages have been coming in with screenshots from blogs, pages, groups and individual accounts across different social media platforms.
Checking my dashboard to see the number of times my page has been checked/viewed today alone is alarming (screenshot is attached). Some are even asking for my Twitter and Instagram handle for reasons best known to them. When did supporting a candidate become a crime?
It’s quite unfortunate this is happening and the fact that I can’t tell if Kingsley truly left a note to be shared after he is gone or someone who has access to his phone chose to do this (which is most likely the case).
A death that should be mourned has been turned into a tribal and political remarks to throw his friends under the bus.
I made a post announce to his death when I got to know of his death as it was hurting to me. I made another post earlier in the day to wish him well when I read the post and I am adding this as people around me are worried that my name is featuring and trending for the reasons.
From my end, I won’t let anyone push or gaslight me to disrespect a man and a friend who died at such a young age. I will respect my friendship with him in death and leave those who are looking for my social media handle on IG and X (formerly Twitter) continue to look for it.
I wish his Family the best once again and pray that they find the fortitude to bear the loss.
Rest in Peace Kingsley.
May Nigeria Succeed
🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬”
See post below …
