Ondo Business Mogul Dies by Suicide After Viral Video Will to Wife, Kids in Canada

A prominent Ondo State businessman and owner of the popular Esther Estate, 46-year-old Akinbolusere Kayode, popularly known as Tolufe, has died in a suspected suicide in his office in Igba Town.

The incident occurred around 3pm on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at his office located beside BOVAS Petrol Station in Igba. He resided at Road 7, Housing Estate, Igba.

Police operatives from Bolorunduro Division responded after members of the public reported the death. Officers recovered two empty bottles suspected to have contained insecticide from a nearby bush. No marks of violence or signs of foul play were observed on the body. His remains were taken to the State Hospital Morgue for preservation and further examination.

In a widely circulated video recorded before his death—apparently while driving—Kayode spoke at length about his life, business setbacks and family. He insisted he was acting entirely of his own free will and under no pressure or duress.
He said he was making a formal declaration of his will covering all his properties and possessions. He named his wife, Akinbolusere Esther (also referred to as Esther Adenike), who hails from Ekiti, and their three children living in Canada—Oluwafẹranmi (or Oluwafemi), Toluwani and Daniel—as the sole beneficiaries.

Kayode reflected on his humble beginnings, noting that he started from scratch as a barber and built his enterprises, including real estate and other businesses that had operated for years, through transparent means. He praised his wife extensively for standing by him through difficult times when he had little, saying she never troubled him and remained supportive. He took personal responsibility for problems in their relationship and for setbacks in his business, mentioning that key machines used in his operations had developed faults.

The Ondo State Police Command, under Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu, has opened a full investigation into the circumstances of the death to establish the exact cause. In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the Command confirmed the suspected suicide and urged the public to refrain from speculation while the probe continues.

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The police also encouraged anyone experiencing emotional distress, marital challenges or other personal difficulties to seek timely support and professional assistance rather than resorting to actions that could endanger their lives.

Kayode was a well-known figure in Ondo town and the surrounding community. His death has left family, friends, associates and residents in shock and mourning. Investigation remains ongoing.