Popular social commentator and businessman Isaac Fayose has announced the death of his wife after months of publicly documenting her battle with cancer.
Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose, disclosed the development in a series of emotional Instagram posts on Saturday.
Sharing a candlelight image, he wrote, “Rest In Peace, my darling wife,” before posting additional photographs of his late wife alongside the farewell message, “Odaro oyinbo mi.”
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The announcement immediately triggered an outpouring of condolences from followers, celebrities and political associates, with actress Yvonne Jegede, comedian Ali Baba and veteran singer Daddy Showkey among those who reacted publicly.
The businessman had earlier opened up about his wife’s deteriorating condition in March after travelling to Australia to visit his family. In an emotional video shared on Instagram at the time, Fayose said the illness had left her too weak to speak, cook or carry out basic daily activities.
“My wife is not feeling well. When I got here, she was very weak. The same woman who usually picks me up at the airport couldn’t come, so I had to take an Uber,” he had said while fighting back tears.
He also recounted how he began caring for her during the illness, including cooking for her and sitting beside her bed singing her favourite songs.
“She used to cook for me, but now I find myself cooking for her. She couldn’t cook or talk. I sat beside her and sang her favourite song; she held my hand as I sang,” Fayose said.
The emotional video resonated widely on Nigerian social media at the time, especially after Fayose reflected on the limits of wealth and political power in the face of terminal illness.
“My million-dollar house couldn’t save my wife, not even my wealth,” he said while urging political leaders to pay more attention to healthcare and citizens’ welfare.
Saturday’s announcement has since sparked renewed conversations online around cancer awareness, family support and access to quality healthcare, with many Nigerians describing Fayose’s public vulnerability during his wife’s illness as unusually emotional and heartfelt.
Though Fayose did not disclose further details surrounding her passing or funeral arrangements, tributes continued pouring in across Instagram and X as sympathisers prayed for strength for the family.
Isaac Fayose is widely known for his outspoken commentary on politics, governance and national issues on social media. Over the years, he has built a strong online following through his often controversial takes on public affairs and Nigerian politics.
His latest personal loss, however, drew rare bipartisan sympathy from supporters and critics alike, with many describing the situation as a painful reminder of the emotional and physical toll cancer continues to have on families across the world.
