‘I Will Try And Commit Suicide Soon’ — Kemi Olunloyo Cries Out Over Alleged Online Bullying

Nigerian journalist and media personality, Dr. Kemi Olunloyo, has raised concerns over her mental well-being, saying years of online bullying and attacks on her reputation have left her emotionally distressed.

In an open letter addressed to Nigerians and shared on social media, Olunloyo said the sustained abuse she has received over the years has become unbearable, culminating in a statement that she would “try and commit suicide soon.”

According to her, the bullying has taken a severe toll on her mental health, with many social media users frequently referring to her as a “drug addict,” “mentally unstable,” and a “mad woman.”

“What exactly have I done to be bullied to this extent by Nigerians?” she asked. “Why can I not do my work without being called ‘drug addict,’ ‘mentally unstable and deranged’ or ‘mad woman’?”

Olunloyo attributed the public perception of her mental health to comments she said were made by her late father in 2016, alleging that he portrayed her as mentally unstable to discredit her account of being sexually assaulted during the 1978 “Ali Must Go” riots. She claimed the incident, which she said occurred when she was 13 years old, also left her younger brother with severe brain injuries from the unrest.

The journalist also revisited her long-running feud with Nigerian musician, Davido, alleging that remarks made by the singer on social media damaged her reputation and cost her employment opportunities. She claimed that after she reported on the singer’s relationship with Chioma in 2018, he publicly insulted her before millions of followers, resulting in lasting damage to her personal and professional image.

She further alleged that comments made by Davido’s father during a press conference reinforced the public perception that she was mentally unstable.

ALSO READ: Trading Fake News For Money: The Case Of Ejike Ofoegbu As A Cautionary Tale

Olunloyo also spoke about her involvement in advocating for a child known as Anu, alleging that she was deceived by the child’s family despite providing financial support and using her platforms to campaign for the child’s welfare for several years.

Responding to allegations that she abused drugs, Olunloyo maintained that she had worked with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in her capacity as a pharmacist and narcotics expert, not as a recovering drug user.

She said she eventually left Nigeria because of the hostility directed at her but claimed the online abuse has continued despite her relocation abroad.

Concluding her letter, Olunloyo said the latest wave of criticism followed her comments on the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, adding that the relentless attacks have pushed her to an emotional breaking point.

Her post has since generated reactions on social media, with many users expressing concern over her statement about suicide and urging her to seek help and support.