An 86-year-old Lagos widower has petitioned the National Human Rights Commission, accusing his children of abuse and unlawful confinement over his decision to marry a 67-year-old woman.
An 86-year-old father, Pa Jacob Shobakin, has dragged his children before the National Human Rights Commission over alleged abuse and violation of his rights following their refusal to allow him marry his 67-year-old lover, Elizabeth Olufunke. In a petition filed through the Age Nigeria Foundation, the visually impaired retired banker accused his children of “abuse, forceful imprisonment, intimidation, and financial exploitation,” while also alleging that they assaulted his partner.
The dispute reportedly began in 2017 after Pa Shobakin informed his children of his intention to remarry following the death of his wife in 2013 after 53 years of marriage. According to reports, the couple fixed wedding dates and attempted on three occasions to formalise the union at marriage registries in Agege, Ikeja and Ojodu, but the efforts were allegedly frustrated by his children. Speaking during a visit to his residence in the Aguda area of Ogba, Lagos, Pa Shobakin said, “My children are holding me here in my house against my wish. I’m a widower. After my first wife died in 2013, I decided that I want to marry another woman, but my children objected to it and since then we have been having this problem.”
He added, “My freedom has been captured by these children because they do not want me to marry a new wife. They have been mocking and ridiculing me, insisting that I cannot marry another woman.” However, his daughter, Olubukola Fafunmi, denied the allegations, accusing Olufunke of attempting to manipulate their father to gain control of his property. She said, “We are not against the marriage. If he wants to marry, it is his choice. What we are questioning is the motive behind the marriage. Why would the woman be so desperate to marry an 86-year-old man with visual impairment without the knowledge of his children and other family members?”
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