ABEOKUTA – A Nigerian mother of three, Odeyemi Ramota Odunayo, has gone into hiding following a police and community-led manhunt for her female partner, who was allegedly caught in a compromising situation with another woman.
Our correspondent gathered that the woman reportedly fled from her residence in Abeokuta after police officers questioned her at a national sports festival on May 24 about her long-time partner, a female tennis player known simply as Peju.
It was gathered that Odunayo and Peju had maintained a secret romantic relationship for years, despite the risks associated with same-sex relationships in Nigeria.
A source told our correspondent that Peju reportedly escaped from the scene with help from neighbours and has since gone into hiding.
Speaking with our correspondent, a resident who was aware of the incident revealed that Peju was later arrested, while Odunayo, who is a known lover, fled before the people could get to her house.
“When some of the residents caught Peju with one woman, they attacked her, but she was lucky to have escaped them. Things escalated, and police got involved, invited and arrested Peju for questioning. That was when we realised that Odunayo was also in the same kind of sexual relationship with her.
“The people flared up and went to Odunayo’s house, but fortunately, they did not meet her. Since then the residents have been looking for how they want to get her beaten or killed because what they have done is against the law and tradition,” the source stated.
Further findings by our correspondent showed that Odunayo, who is married to Akinlolu Olutoyosi and gave birth to their son in 2021, reportedly fled with her whereabouts unknown to anybody since the incident happened.
A family member, Wahab Ogunlade, lamented that Odunayo has gone into hiding since her sexual relationship with Peju was exposed.
He expressed concerns that while Odunayo’s whereabouts are unknown, the family are worried that she may have been killed under the community’s strict anti-LGBT customs.
He added, “Since the incident happened, Odunayo has avoided contact with anyone who may recognise her or link her to Peju. She has also severed ties with some of her closest relationships. And we as her family are worried.”
In Nigeria, homosexuality is not only criminalised under federal law but also regarded as a deeply taboo subject in many cultural and religious settings.
The Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014 outlaws gay relationships, public displays of affection between same-sex individuals, and the formation of LGBTQ+ organisations. Violators can face up to 14 years in prison.
In northern Nigeria, where Sharia (Islamic) law is enforced alongside civil law in several states, the consequences are even more severe. Under Sharia, individuals found guilty of engaging in same-sex relationships may face punishments ranging from public flogging to death by stoning, particularly in states like Kano and Zamfara.
Beyond legal consequences, the societal backlash is often just as dangerous. Suspected LGBTQ+ individuals are frequently subjected to mob violence, public shaming, family rejection, and unlawful detentions.
In many communities, even mere accusations, without proof, can result in eviction, loss of employment, or violent attacks.
This hostile environment has forced many LGBTQ+ Nigerians into secrecy, isolation, or exile.
For women like Odunayo, whose sexual orientation has become known to authorities and community members, daily life becomes a game of survival, marked by fear, silence, and the ever-present threat of persecution or death.
