Nigerian man dies alone in Canada after wife allegedly abandoned him following cancer diagnosis

The controversy surrounding the death of a Nigerian man in Canada, identified as Tunde Olowolabayaki, has taken a dramatic turn, with fresh allegations that his estranged wife—who reportedly left him during his battle with cancer—has returned to claim his body.

The development has triggered outrage among friends, family members and social media users, particularly as the deceased was said to have left behind a written directive empowering his sister, based in Canada, to take custody of his remains.

However, in a twist that has raised questions, the hospital where he died allegedly released the body to the wife instead.

Fresh claims emerge

Details of the unfolding dispute were shared on X (formerly Twitter) by a user, @tkb417, also known as The Classic Man, who claimed to have been contacted by people close to the deceased.

According to the post, the late Olowolabayaki had been battling cancer affecting his hip region for about two years, during which he was said to have lived largely in isolation after his wife allegedly left him and took their children.

The source further alleged that the deceased had documented instances of abuse, including videos purportedly showing his wife hitting him around the cancerous area, described as a severe wound.

It was also claimed that in one of the recordings, the woman allegedly expressed a wish that the illness had affected his brain instead of his groin or hip.

Dispute over remains of Tunde Olowolabayaki

Family sources were said to be particularly angered by the decision of the hospital to release the body to the wife despite the deceased’s alleged written instruction assigning that responsibility to his sister.

The sister, who is reportedly based in Canada, is said to be in possession of video evidence and other materials sent to her by the deceased before his death.

As of the time of filing this report, it remains unclear whether any legal steps have been initiated to challenge the release of the body.

Allegations over property, insurance

Adding to the controversy are claims that the estranged wife contacted tenants living in the deceased’s property to inquire about his car, rental payments and the condition of the house shortly after his death.

The development has fueled speculation about a possible dispute over assets, with unconfirmed reports also suggesting that a life insurance policy may be involved.

Friends of the deceased described him as a calm and gentle individual who endured his illness quietly, allegedly concealing the breakdown of his marriage from neighbours by claiming his wife had relocated for work.

Troubled final years

Further accounts indicate that Olowolabayaki received legal correspondence during his illness, including requests to sell his house and contribute to a student loan for which he had stood as guarantor for his wife.

Sources alleged that he faced these challenges alone after losing contact with his wife, who was said to have blocked communication with his relatives during that period.

In a development that has further angered sympathisers, the woman was also accused of reaching out to the deceased’s elderly parents after his death, requesting financial contributions towards funeral arrangements.

Calls for justice

The incident has sparked widespread reactions online, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding both the man’s death and the handling of his remains.

As the situation continues to unfold, family members are said to be considering their options, amid growing public interest and concern over the case.

Efforts to independently verify all the claims were ongoing as of press time.

The late Olowolabayaki has been described by those who knew him as “one of the calmest and most gentle souls,” with many expressing shock over the circumstances of his final days. 

Sam Oriola wrote on Facebook:

“Rest on in Jesus bosom- Tunde Olowolabayaki (aka PM)..I missed all our good days way back from Secondary school and college when I’ll visit because of the proximity of my school. A great man with a great sense of humour.

Death ain’t the biggest calamity but living an unfulfilled life is. You lived a fulfilled life.

Adieu my friend…”

Read Also: Renowned Nigerian playwright, Wole Oguntokun, dies in Canada