A Heart-Wrenching Account of my Family-Based Violence, Molestation, and Religious Condemnation - Olubunmi

A Heart-Wrenching Account of my Family-Based Violence, Molestation, and Religious Condemnation - Olubunmi

The Octagon Reporter, Agnes Ijeoma, in an interview with Olubunmi Olawoyin based on her harrowing experiences with religious persecution and molestation within her family,  Extract

Question: Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself?

Answer: My name is Olubunmi Temitope Olawoyin, and I was born on June 4, 1997. I grew up in Owo village, Ondo state, with my grandparents.

Question: What led to you being raised by your grandparents?

Answer: My mother left me with my grandparents when I was just a baby. I didn't see or hear from her for many years.

Question: How would you describe your experience growing up in a devout Muslim household?

Answer: It was incredibly challenging. I was expected to conform to Islamic practices, but I never felt a connection. This led to persecution and verbal abuse from my family members.

Question: You've shared that you were sexually molested by your step-uncles. How did this experience impact you?

Answer: It was traumatic. The abuse started when I was 12 and continued for years. I felt helpless, trapped, and fearful for my life.

Question: How did your decision to convert to Christianity affect your relationship with your family?

Answer: It made things significantly worse. My family saw my conversion as a betrayal, and the persecution intensified. I faced physical and verbal assaults, and my family tried to force me to return to Islam.

Question: How did your family react when you refused to convert back to Islam?

Answer: They became increasingly aggressive and violent. One of my uncles threatened to kill me unless I converted back to Islam and married a Muslim man.

Question: What drove your decision to escape your family after discovering you were pregnant?

Answer: I knew I had to protect myself and my unborn child from harm. The threats and fear of being found and forced to return to Ibadan became unbearable.

Question: How did you find the courage to leave and start anew?

Answer: It wasn't easy, but I knew I had to protect myself. I reached out to friends who helped and advised me to start fresh and leave my past behind.

Question: How do you feel about sharing your story publicly?

Answer: It's liberating. I hope that by sharing my experience, I can help others facing similar challenges and inspire them to seek help and support.