Background

On 20th June 2024, my children were forcefully taken from my care and taken to Lagos, Nigeria.

My name is Ay. I am the mother of 2 minor American citizens. I have been their primary caregiver since their birth and their sole provider for the last 18 months. My son is 5 years old and my daughter is 23-months-old. My baby girl is still weaning while she was taken away from me.

Both children were forcefully removed from my care and sent to their father in Lagos, Nigeria through an unknown third-party. I do not know exactly where my children are now. I do not know if they are safe. Has this third-party person abducted them? I have no single information about their wellbeing and whereabouts.

Their father’s name is TOYYIB  AYOADE. I have known him since I was a naïve 19-year-old girl. In the last 15 years of our relationship, I have experienced different forms of abuse from him. He has on multiple occasions raped me, and bullied me to remain silent about it. He also threatens to kill me. I have proof of this. I caught him cheating on me multiple times and having sexual conversations with multiple women on his whatsapp and Instagram. We also had a househelp whom he also sexually abused. 

In the course of my stay with Toyyib, he has on multiple occasions bullied and emotionally abused our son. I also have proof of this. I fear for my daughter’s life too that she will not be raped or sexually abused by her father considering his history of sexual assault. 

It is difficult to put years and years of mental, sexual and physical abuse I have faced in a short write-up. Why am I speaking up now? Because I am tired of being silenced. I will not allow my abuser silence me anymore! I have decided to be shameless about this and finally stand up for myself and my children. Toyyib Ayoade, wherever you are right now, listen to my voice. I will not be silenced! I am no longer that girl you oppressed and abused for years. I am free from your manipulations and narcissistic behavior.

 

Why this Petition?

This Petition is a cry for help to the US Government Department of State, our congressman, Nigerian Authorities, Nigerian embassies in diaspora, US Embassies in diaspora.  My children have been forcefully taken from me, their primary caregiver since their births. I cannot imagine the trauma and neglect these children are facing right now. I want the US Department of State and the Nigerian Authorities to aid the return of them to the USA which is now their primary residence. The children do not deserve to be in Nigeria, a country unfamiliar to them. Especially in the hands of a neglectful and abusive father. 

Call for Help

I and my sister, are calling on all mothers, aunties, uncles, real fathers, women’s right activists, feminists, social workers, celebrities, government officials, every human being regardless of race, gender, religion and sexual orientation. In short, the entire national and international community to demand the immediate repatrition of our beloved children to their country, the United States of America. 

 

It is important that I speak my truth and stand up for myself. Oppressors cannot keep having their way in the hope that their victims will remain silent. I shall not be silenced! I rise above fear and shame and I declare “Enough is Enough”.

 

The signatories of this petition supports the above mentioned request for the repatriation my children. Kindly sign this petition to save the lives of 2 minor children. Please also share this link with your friends and family on all social media platforms. Thank you for your support.