Kemi Olunloyo Addresses Public Reaction to Her Absence from Her Father’s Funeral
Kemi Olunloyo has responded firmly to criticism from Oyo State residents over her decision not to attend her father’s state funeral. She explained that she would pay her final respects to her father through a virtual tribute on Facebook, scheduled for Monday, April 14—what would have been his 90th birthday.
She recalled personal disappointments from her past, noting that her father did not attend any of her three graduation ceremonies in the United States without offering a reason. Additionally, she pointed out that she was the only one of his children who missed his gubernatorial inauguration in October 1983, as she had just commenced pharmacy school in August of that year.
Olunloyo emphasized that while some might find her decision surprising, it aligns with a personal vow she made: never to return to Nigeria—even in the event of her father’s death.
Reflecting on her time in Ibadan, she expressed frustration over what she described as a lack of recognition or opportunity, despite being the daughter of a former governor. According to her, her father discouraged three successive governors from hiring her. Her last interaction with him was brief, at her aunt’s funeral in February 2018.
She revealed that she left Ibadan in July 2019, moving to Lagos where she endured four challenging years before ultimately leaving Nigeria altogether.
#KemiTalksLife
Photo Credit: #KemiTalks Media