A 25-year-old man, Joseph Abodunrin, has tragically taken his own life in the Dagbolu community of Osogbo Local Government Area, Osun State, allegedly due to the overwhelming pressures of Nigeria’s current economic situation. His family members have confirmed the tragic incident, citing the impact of the rising cost of living and the toll it had taken on his mental health.
Joseph Abodunrin’s death has sent shockwaves through the community, with loved ones expressing heartbreak and sorrow over the loss of a young man who had long concealed his struggles behind a mask of smiles. In an emotional tribute posted online, Abodunrin Grace, a family member, shared her grief over his passing, describing him as her “best brother” who had always been there to encourage others, even as he battled his own demons in silence.
The news of Joseph’s suicide was first shared by Abodunrin Grace on her X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, where she expressed disbelief and sorrow. She described her cousin as a man who had hidden his inner turmoil while offering support and encouragement to his family. “You hid it all from us. You went about with fake laughter and smiles,” Grace wrote, reflecting the shock of discovering that Joseph had been silently enduring a heavy mental burden.
Joseph’s online presence and previous posts provided insight into his emotional struggles. On January 31, 2025, just two months before his death, he tweeted about his internal conflict, revealing that if not for his younger siblings, he might have gone through with taking his own life. “If not for my siblings, I would not commit suicide. Those younglings are still full of optimism, hope, and dreams that I don’t want to squash with the news of my death,” Joseph had written, hinting at the intense pressure he was under, yet trying to protect his family from the devastating impact of his despair.
Joseph’s final tweets offer a glimpse into the internal battle he faced in the months leading to his death. On March 24, 2025, the day he ultimately ended his life, he posted a heartbreaking message, apologizing to his loved ones. “I’m sorry I failed you guys, I couldn’t just do it anymore… No matter how I explain it. You won’t understand!!!” he wrote. In his message, Joseph expressed his hopes for his family to continue fighting, encouraging them to never give up on their dreams.
He added, “I hope y’all find it in you to keep fighting, hopeful, never negotiating your dreams, and to finally and eventually thrive. That is my last wish. In everything, I give glory to God. I ran my race, and I gave it everything I had.”
Joseph’s messages also reflect the immense toll of the economic pressures he was experiencing. Before his death, he posted on March 9, 2025, questioning his decision to keep fighting to stay alive, saying, “I have asked myself several times why I should fight and keep fighting to stay alive, and I have not gotten any meaningful answer ever since. I really don’t see any reason to continue here.” He acknowledged the role his circumstances played in his mental health struggles, stating, “None of what I am experiencing and feeling is not my fault… I didn’t create myself, no power over the gene I inherited or the parents I was born through.”
Joseph also expressed frustration with the support he had sought, stating that his efforts to get help had made matters worse. His statements highlight the challenges many Nigerians face in accessing mental health support, especially amid the growing economic struggles in the country.
Joseph’s tragic decision to end his life highlights the often unseen and unspoken mental health challenges many Nigerians, especially young people, face. His tweets offer a glimpse into the pressure caused by a tough economic environment marked by high unemployment rates, inflation, and rising costs of living, all of which have exacerbated feelings of hopelessness and despair for many individuals.
Mental health professionals have long warned that the cost of living and economic instability can significantly impact a person’s mental wellbeing, particularly among young Nigerians who feel the weight of an uncertain future. Joseph’s experience speaks to the need for greater awareness, understanding, and access to mental health care in Nigeria, as well as support for individuals grappling with depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.
Joseph’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief and reflection on the need for better mental health services and awareness in Nigeria. In her emotional post, Abodunrin Grace urged others to prioritize their mental wellbeing, warning that neglecting mental health can have dire consequences. “Being sane and mentally stable is the only thing that can keep making all said work!!! Prioritize your Mental wellbeing,” she wrote, calling for a stronger focus on mental health amidst Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Mental health experts agree that the issue of suicide in Nigeria is one that requires urgent attention. There has been growing advocacy for the government and private sector to invest in mental health services, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and provide accessible resources for those in need.
As of the time of writing, Joseph’s body has not been recovered, despite the location he shared online for where he had committed the act. Sources indicate that the location, “Dagbolu,” is no longer active, making it unclear if his body has been located.
When contacted for comment, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, ASP Akeem Adeoye, stated that he was not aware of the incident but promised to provide an update if any new information became available. “I am not aware of it. Maybe the family does not want it out. But I will let you know about any development,” he said.
Joseph celebrated his 25th birthday on February 6, 2025, just a month before his tragic death. His untimely passing serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing the signs of mental distress and offering support to those who may be silently struggling.
