Thelma Osatohanmwen
In a devastating incident in the United Kingdom, an Ekiti-born man, David Olubunni Abodunde, has been accused of allegedly killing his wife, Taiwo Owoeye Abodunde.
The tragic discovery unfolded at their residence on 259 Exning Road, Newmarket, Suffolk, where Taiwo’s lifeless body was found in the living room.
The incident came to light during a follow-up visit by the police related to a previous assault report made against David Olubunni Abodunde by his estranged wife. The police had initially arrested him on November 27 following assault allegations made by Taiwo.
NEWSTODAYNG gathered that couple hailed from Ekiti State, Ipoti Ekiti in Ijero Local Government Area and Igogo Ekiti in the Moba Local government area which is famous for its myths and festivals. Igogo Ekiti is famous for its royal folklore of Queen Oronsen who while married to King Rerengejen fled the palace in anger because of plans against her. It was discovered that she was immortalised with a terra cotta image near ‘Igbo Oluwa’ a sacred forest in the town, where people come to make annual sacrifices in return for her spiritual power and protection of the kingdom.
Interestingly, the tradition and folklore of Ipoti Ekiti is also woven around a wife who was assured after Ifa divination that she would have three male issues on the account of faith, belief and offering to placate the gods and coincidentally the late Taiwo has three sons.
The towns of Ipoti Ekiti and Igogo Ekiti in Nigeria, where the couple hailed from, were engaged in the family’s story, and the incident has gripped the communities with shock and sorrow. Family members and town leaders had previously intervened in the couple’s disputes, demonstrating the interconnectedness of their lives and the broader impact of the tragedy.
On November 28, during a scheduled visit to gather evidence related to the assault case, the police discovered Taiwo’s lifeless body. Despite prompt medical attention, paramedics declared her dead at the scene. The husband, David Olubunni Abodunde, was arrested on suspicion of murder and subsequently appeared at Ipswich Crown Court and Suffolk Magistrates’ Court for a preliminary hearing.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the police’s response, as officers had been called to the address earlier. The IOPC spokesperson confirmed they are assessing the incident to determine further actions.
