Widow alleges assault, forced marriage pressure by late husband’s family in Lagos

A widow, Mrs. Olamide Olanrewaju, has raised alarm over alleged harassment, intimidation, and an attempted assault by members of her late husband’s family following her refusal to marry her deceased husband’s younger brother.

Mrs. Olanrewaju, a Nigerian and resident of Majayi Street, Kith and Kin Estate, Ibeshe, Ikorodu, Lagos State, told reporters that her ordeal began after the death of her husband in June 2022. According to her, shortly after the burial, members of her late husband’s family pressured her to remarry within the family, in line with what they described as a customary practice. She said the family also threatened that if she refused, they would take her children away from her.

She said she declined the request, insisting that she did not consent to marrying her late husband’s younger brother. Following her refusal, she alleged that she became a target of persistent harassment, threats, and intimidation. She further claimed that the younger brother repeatedly approached her with inappropriate advances.

According to findings by our correspondent, the late husband’s brother reportedly visited her residence on several occasions without invitation, demanding compliance with the family’s marriage request.

Mrs. Olanrewaju said the situation escalated on September 29, 2025, when the younger brother allegedly visited her home at night and attempted to force himself on her, which she resisted. She said that during the struggle, she sustained an injury to her left eye, resulting in a visible bruise.

She reported this incident to the Ibeshe Police Station, Ikorodu the following day. It was further gathered that she had previously lodged complaints of threats and harassment at the Elepe Police Station in October 2024, highlighting ongoing mistreatment from her late husband’s family.

Despite these reports, Mrs. Olanrewaju said that the threats and intimidation have continued, leaving her in fear for her safety and that of her children.

Independent investigation by our correspondent also found that Mrs. Olanrewaju has been denied access to her late husband’s property and business interests, adding to the challenges she faces in caring for her family.

Mrs. Olanrewaju’s ordeal further highlights the problem of levirate marriages, a traditional practice still observed in some parts of Nigeria, particularly in the southwest, and widely criticized for perpetuating coercion and undermining women’s autonomy.