By Deborah Nnamdi
A 25-year-old man, Joseph Abodunrin took his own life in the Dagbolu community, located in the Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun State. The cause of his tragic decision was reportedly the burden of the rising cost of living in the country, which he allegedly said was affecting his mental health.
His relative, Abodunrin Grace, confirmed his death on Thursday through a post on her X account.
Grace, who referred to Joseph as her best brother, shared that he concealed his struggles behind a smile, often pretending that everything was fine while encouraging those around him.
She wrote, “I still feel shattered, many words but unprocessed. You were the best brother. You encouraged us all, but you went to voice out in a space we couldn’t think of. You hid it all from us. You went about with fake laughter and smiles. Now we can’t get over it.
“He is my cousin (man is just a big brother). None of our laments can bring him back; the tagging is too much! I have been too strong. It’s no one’s fault. Please, if there’s one or two, please, please try to heal. It is needed. We’re all striving! It’s not easy for anyone.
Before his demise, Joseph had repeatedly made tweets revealing that he would have taken his life, but for his siblings, whom he encouraged to live.
He took to his account on January 31, 2025, saying, “If not for my siblings, I would not commit suicide. Those younglings are still full of optimism, hope, and dreams that I don’t want to squash with the news of my death.”
On March 9, he also queried his decision on not fast-tracking his suicide mission, stressing, “I have asked myself several times why I should fight and keep fighting to stay alive, and I have not gotten any meaningful answer ever since. I don’t see any reason to continue here.”
Then, he further wrote, “But March is a decision month. None of what I am experiencing and feeling is not my fault…(sic) I didn’t create myself, no power over the gene I inherited or the parents I was born through…I have tried to seek help, but made it worse…I’m practicing self-compassion through this whole process, regardless of whatever decision I make.”
Quoting January 31 tweet on March 24, the day the 25-year-old ended it all, he, in a series of tweets, wrote, “I’m sorry I failed you guys, I couldn’t just do it anymore… No matter how I explain it. You won’t understand!!!
“I hope y’all find it in you to keep fighting, hopeful, never negotiating your dreams, and to finally and eventually thrive. That is my last wish. In everything, I give glory to God. I ran my race, and I gave it everything I had. Finally passing on the baton.
“Nothing much to say again…My passwords are on the first page of my diary. Goodbye!”
Joseph’s body is yet to be recovered as of the time of filing this report despite sharing the location where he committed suicide; however, checks revealed that the location he shared, ‘Dagbolu,’ is no longer active.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, ASP Akeem Adeoye, told our correspondent that he was not aware of the incident while promising to get back if there is any development.
“I am not aware of it. Maybe the family does not want it out. But I will let you know about any development,” he said.
The deceased celebrated his 25 years birthday on February 6, 2025.
