By Duchess Ifeoluwa 

A prominent businessman in Ondo town, Ondo State, and owner of the popular Esther Estate, Akinbolusere Kayode, popularly known as Tolufe, has died in a suspected suicide incident, with the police confirming the recovery of two empty bottles suspected to have contained Sniper insecticide.

The 46-year-old businessman reportedly died in his office beside BOVAS Petrol Station, Igba Town, on Thursday, at about 3pm.

The Ondo State Police Command, in a statement issued on Friday by its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said it had commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to the police, operatives attached to Bolorunduro Division visited the scene following information from members of the public that the businessman, who resided at Road 7, Housing Estate, Igba, had died in his office.

The police said two empty bottles suspected to have contained Sniper insecticide were recovered from a nearby bush during preliminary investigations.

The Command added that the deceased’s remains were evacuated and deposited at the State Hospital Morgue for preservation and further examination.

It said no visible marks of violence were observed on his body at the time of examination.

The incident has generated widespread concern in Ondo Kingdom, particularly following the circulation of an emotional video and an audio recording in which the businessman spoke about his business difficulties, marital relationship and plans for the distribution of his properties.

In the video, which surfaced on social media before news of his death, Tolufe reportedly spoke at length about challenges confronting his business, including faults affecting some of the machines used in his operations.

He disclosed that three machines had developed faults, explaining that two of them had started working earlier that morning before the problems emerged.

Reflecting on his journey from humble beginnings, the businessman maintained that he built his business through legitimate means and had not engaged in illegal or questionable activities.

He also made an emotional appeal concerning his family, particularly his first wife, Akinbolusere Esther Adenike, whom he described as a pillar of support throughout his entrepreneurial journey.

Tolufe reportedly expressed regret over the difficulties in their relationship, accepting responsibility for some of the challenges rather than blaming his wife.

He recalled how Esther stood by him when he was still working as a barber in Ondo Kingdom, supporting him through difficult times until he attained financial stability.

The businessman also mentioned his three children, Oluwafemi, Toluwani and Daniel, declaring that his properties and accumulated wealth should belong to them and their mother, his first wife.

He repeatedly insisted that the decision was voluntary and that nobody had compelled him to make it.

In another audio recording of a conversation with a yet-to-be-identified man, which has also circulated on social media, Tolufe reportedly requested that the person record his statements.

He was also heard explaining that he had made adequate provisions for his second wife and her children, including houses, landed properties, cars and other investments, which he said would secure their future.

He consequently maintained that she should not be included in the sharing of the properties he intended to bequeath to his first wife and their children.

The recordings have attracted reactions from residents and social media users, with many expressing concern over the businessman’s reported struggles and family circumstances.

However, the police have cautioned members of the public against speculation, urging them to allow the investigation to establish the actual cause of death.

The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed a thorough investigation into the incident.

The Command also appealed to individuals experiencing emotional distress, marital challenges or other personal difficulties to seek timely support and assistance rather than resort to actions that could endanger their lives.