A man who refused to join a cult group after his father's death has lost his brother and child and is now crying out for safety. Richard Praise Ilegbusi, who has suffered emotional trauma and spiritual exploitation, described his harrowing near-death ordeals as something he would never wish on his enemies.
A confidant of the beleaguered man narrated Ilegbusi's troubled life since the death of Pa Ilegbusi to our reporter. "Richard Praise Ilegbusi is from Oka Akoko, in Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State. His late father, Pa Ilegbusi Agbomola Cereal, was a senior member of the Ogboni fraternity—a secret and powerful traditional cult in our region. Membership in the cult is typically passed down through family bloodlines, and refusal to participate is treated as betrayal and rebellion."
"As a devout Christian, Richard has never subscribed to the practices or beliefs. His decision to stand against this spiritual system has put his life and the lives of family members in danger," the confidant said.
The confidant, who craved anonymity for fear of being attacked by the occultic group, continued the narration in a sorrow-laden voice: "After Pa Ilegbusi passed away on May 10, 2022, the Ogboni fraternity demanded that the elder brother, Mr. Ilegbusi Tubosun Patrick, take over his role. He refused. After numerous threats and summons, he (Ilegbusi Tunbosun Patrick)was assassinated on February 2, 2023—a death widely believed to have been carried out by the cult."
"A few weeks later, a phone call was received by Richard Ilegbusi from someone claiming to be part of the cult. He expressed sympathy for the death of Richard's brother and reminded him that Richard was now 'the man of the house,' expected to assume his father's position. Richard refused and began receiving anonymous threats. One caller warned clearly: 'If you do not accept, you will follow your brother soon.'"
"Immediately, it was reported to the police. The pressure, fear, and spiritual attacks increased. Richard Ilegbusi began to live in constant anxiety. On April 9, 2023, his daughter, Ilegbusi Odunayo Janet, suddenly fell ill and died after vomiting blood. It was mysterious and deeply traumatic. Shortly afterward, he received another call from a cult member who said: 'You're learning your lesson now. If you still refuse, your entire family will go one by one.'"
"Shaken, Richard reported the matter to the police. But due to the deep influence of the Ogboni fraternity in our local community, no proper investigation or protection was provided. Local authorities are either afraid or unwilling to challenge them."
"Later that year, his wife-- a church choir member—travelled with other choristers to Ifon (Ose Local Government Area) for a funeral on September 29, 2023. They were kidnapped during the journey. Thankfully, she managed to escape with seven other victims. We feared this was another targeted attack meant to intimidate and further break the family."
"At that point, Richard could no longer stay in Nigeria. He feared for the life of his only surviving son. He had to find a way to get his family to safety. The threats against Richard Ilegbusi became an unabated scar, and the Ogboni cult intensified the threats, targeting the family because of his religious beliefs and refusal to take part in their rituals."
"The influence of the dreaded cult is massive and strong in Nigeria. They are everywhere. Richard does not believe any part of the country is safe for him or his son. Their lives are at serious risk, as I am narrating this to you. The best bet for Richard Ilegbusi and his nuclear family is to stay put wherever they have run to, because nobody knows their whereabouts as a result of these traumatic incidents in their lives."
The anonymous confidant concluded.
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