Iyefawei: The ₦2.5 Million Naira After Death – A Tragic Truth

 

Iyefawei: The ₦2.5 Million Naira After Death – A Tragic Truth

Iyefawei was a humble fisherman from Ofunama, a quiet and peaceful riverside community in the Niger Delta. Alongside his devoted wife and their three cheerful children, he lived a modest but content life. Their daily routine revolved around fishing and selling their catch, and though life wasn’t luxurious, it was peaceful.

One day, seeking a better life for his family, Iyefawei relocated to Benin City in search of greener pastures. They rented a small two-bedroom apartment, and with hope in their hearts, began a new chapter. His wife worked as a laundrywoman while he sold smoked fish in the markets.

But life in the city was not easy. Business slowed. Bills piled up. The family fell behind on their ₦100,000 rent. The once-patient landlord issued a quit notice.

In desperation, Iyefawei reached out to his circle: Ebimobowei, Erepade, Tarelade, Kemibigha, Iyoere, Binabae — friends and family he had once supported generously. But one after another, they gave excuses:

“Bros, things tight.”

“I just paid school fees.”

“My pikin dey hospital.”

Some ignored his calls entirely. Others read his WhatsApp messages without replying. He even posted on the Global Egberi Media International WhatsApp group and shared an emotional video appeal on Global Egberi TV on Facebook. Still, not a single naira came.

One evening, Iyefawei told his wife, “I’m going out again. Maybe tonight, someone will help.”

That was the last time she saw him alive.

While crossing the road that night, Iyefawei was hit by a speeding vehicle. He died instantly.

And Then, They All Showed Up...

As the news broke, those who ignored his pleas flooded social media with tributes:

“RIP Legend.”

“Iyefawei was a good man.”

“We must give him a befitting burial.”

Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram — his photo was everywhere.

Profile pictures changed.

Comments poured in.

Within 24 hours, ₦2.5 million naira was raised via donations.

Even the landlord who once threatened eviction declared the widow and her children could now stay rent-free "until they are stable."

All this... after Iyefawei’s death.

Support the Living, Not Just the Dead

This story is not just a tragedy — it is a mirror. A hard truth.

Why do we ignore the cries of the living, yet glorify the dead?

Why do we wait until death to spend fortunes in their name, raise millions in their memory, post long eulogies, and wear matching T-shirts?

Why didn’t we act when it mattered?

If just 50 people had sent ₦2,000 while Iyefawei was alive, he would still be here today.

His children would still have a father.

His wife, a husband.

But now? He is gone.

Begin at Home — Honor Your Parents Now

Let this story also remind us of our duty to our parents and senior citizens.

Instead of waiting for elaborate burials and tribute-filled funerals, let’s:

Build houses for our parents while they are alive — even a simple one-bedroom they can call their own.

Send them stipends for food and comfort — not just during festive seasons.

Pay for regular medical checkups — so we are not collecting funds for emergency surgeries when it’s too late.

Call them. Visit them. Remind them they are loved.

Your presence might be more valuable than your presents.

The living appreciate these little gestures. The dead do not see your tribute videos or your well-crafted condolences.

All those efforts amount to performative show-offs — a fake life, an oppressive tendency.

We must change this narrative.

Let us build legacies of compassion while hearts still beat.

Let us be known for kindness in real time, not for dramatic performances after death.

Don’t wait to write tributes when you could have written a cheque.

Don’t wait to raise ₦2.5 million for a coffin when you couldn’t raise ₦100,000 for shelter.

Written by: Prince Agbedeyi O. D.

Edited by: Tam Ariaye

Original Author: Unknown

*Published on Global Egberi Media International

For Advertising and Booking:

📞 +2348134902214 or +39 348 610 6794

For Payment and Support:

💳 Account Name: Agbedeyi Odimientimi Desmond

💳 Account Number: 3017861172

💳 Bank: First Bank