An 86-year-old retired banker, Jacob Shobakin, has dragged his children before the National Human Rights Commission over allegations of abuse, intimidation, and violation of his rights after they reportedly refused to allow him marry his 67-year-old partner, Elizabeth Olufunke.
Pa Shobakin, who is visually impaired, accused his children of holding him against his will, frustrating his plans to remarry after the death of his wife in 2013, and allegedly assaulting his partner.
According to him, the conflict began in 2017 when he informed his family of his intention to remarry after over 50 years of marriage to his late wife.
“My freedom has been captured by these children because they do not want me to marry again,” he said emotionally.
The elderly man insisted that marriage is his personal choice and right, adding that he does not want to spend the rest of his life alone.
However, his children strongly oppose the marriage, claiming they are only trying to protect him from possible exploitation due to his age and visual impairment.
His daughter, Olubukola Fafunmi, accused Olufunke of allegedly manipulating their father and attempting to take over family property and finances.
She maintained that the family is not against the marriage itself but is concerned about the motives behind it.
Olufunke, on her part, denied all allegations of financial exploitation, insisting that her relationship with Pa Shobakin was built on love, care, and mutual understanding.
The emotional family dispute has reportedly lasted for years, involving interventions from police authorities, mediators, and human rights officials.
The case has now sparked widespread debate online about love, aging, family control, inheritance, personal freedom, and the rights of elderly people to make their own life decisions.
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