Christy Akingboye Breaks Silence: “I Didn’t Kill My Husband” Amid Claims Over Late SDP Politician’s Death

Christy Akingboye, widow of the late Bamidele Akingboye, former Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Ondo State’s November 2024 election, has publicly denied allegations implicating her in her husband’s death.

Speaking in Lagos, Christy described the accusations as cruel, false, and aimed at smearing her and her children. She revealed that her husband had battled severe mental health challenges for five years, which ultimately led to his untimely demise.

According to Christy, Bamidele was diagnosed with bipolar manic disorder in 2019, resulting in multiple episodes of mania, suicidal tendencies, and erratic behaviour. The condition worsened under the pressures of political campaigns, financial debt, and sleep deprivation.

“He was my friend. I didn’t just lose a husband, I lost my better half,” Christy said, recounting harrowing incidents including a near-suicide by her husband on a balcony in Lagos and a psychiatric hospitalization in Dubai. She listed several hospitals and specialists across Lagos, Dubai, and Abuja who treated him.

Christy explained that she initially withheld details of her husband’s struggles to protect his dignity, their children, and his political legacy. She lamented the social stigma surrounding suicide in Nigeria, noting that such issues are often weaponized against families.

The widow alleged that her stepson, Samuel Akingboye, accused her of murdering their father and spread doctored images suggesting domestic abuse. She presented authentic mortuary photographs showing her husband without injuries, asserting, “My hands are clean. God knows the truth. I fought for his life for years.”

Christy urged authorities and the public to focus on Bamidele Akingboye’s medical records and long-standing mental health battle. She emphasised that only a fair and thorough review could clarify the circumstances of his death and provide closure for the family.