By Gabriel Ayo
…As Lagos Based Telecommunications Organization Terminates Her Duty
It was a tale of an unwanted setback for Ms. Yetunde Balikis Walton, who was allegedly accused of same-sex practice by her colleague Yetunde Adewale before she was dismissed from a Lagos-based telecommunications organization where she worked.
The incident has drawn wide controversy considering the fact that both Ms. Yetunde Walton and Yetunde Adewale are close pals who have been long-term friends working in the same organization.
The whole drama gained public attention when Yetunde Adewale reported Ms. Walton’s intent for what appears to be an unpleasant cordial relationship, which was declined by Yetunde Adewale before the matter was reported to the management.
Recall that Ms. Walton was dismissed from her duty in late 2021 after an internal review was carried out without unraveling the findings of the investigation.
However, the aftermath of the whole incident further created lots of damages to Ms. Walton’s personal life due to her husband’s awareness of the alleged same-sex fallout.
This thereafter triggered the family’s involvement in the matter and demanded she undergo a traditional spiritual cleansing ritual to address what they described as a “curse.”
According to our source,it was alleged that she declined to submit herself for the traditional cleansing, thereby forcing the husband’s family to disown her and also creating serious strain in their marriage.
The source said, “She refused to submit to the ritual, and her husband’s decision to support her reportedly led to his disownment by his family. He was accused of bringing shame upon them and was warned to be cautious for his safety. The situation placed significant emotional and social strain on their marriage.”
Aftermath of her dismissal, Ms. Walton started to receive a series of messages from an anonymous person threatening her life through WhatsApp and warning that her identity could be reported to law enforcement authorities under Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, which criminalizes same-sex relationships and associations and carries penalties of up to 14 years in prison.
Ms. Walton, who never granted an interview or consent to the publication of this information, was coined based on the source’s imagination.
The impact of the whole drama has had significant mental health challenges, including severe trauma, anxiety, and stress on Ms. Walton.
It should be noted that individuals accused of same-sex marriage or same-sex relationships in a country with strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws most notably Nigeria face severe damages, including long-term imprisonment, physical violence, and profound social, economic, and psychological trauma