21-year-old accuses Ondo monarch of coercion, forced abortion

A 21-year-old woman from Ipele in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State has accused a traditional ruler in her community of impregnating her, coercing her into terminating the pregnancy, and subjecting her to threats and intimidation.

The woman, Ifemide Kehinde, made the allegations during an interview in which she recounted what she described as a troubling relationship that later spiralled into a distressing ordeal.

According to Kehinde, the monarch — whom she referred to as the Kabiyesi of her town — approached her with a proposal to become his second wife. She said she initially agreed to the arrangement, believing it was a legitimate path toward marriage.

However, she alleged that the relationship resulted in pregnancy and that the traditional ruler insisted she terminate it. Kehinde claimed she was pressured to undergo an abortion under threat, despite her reluctance.

“I didn’t want to go through with it, but I felt I had no choice at the time,” she said.

Kehinde further alleged that after the procedure, she experienced complications, including prolonged bleeding and recurring pain. She said she struggled to access adequate medical care and relied largely on her personal resources for treatment.

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She claimed that the monarch did not provide direct support during this period, but instead sent money through intermediaries. According to her, the situation worsened afterward, with alleged attempts to intimidate and silence her.

Kehinde also accused individuals she believes are associated with the ruler of harassing her through phone calls and messages. She said some of the exchanges, along with other communications, have been documented and preserved as evidence.

In addition, she alleged that certain individuals familiar with the matter had corroborated aspects of her account in recorded conversations, which she says are in her possession. She also raised broader concerns about what she described as a pattern of inappropriate conduct involving other women, although those claims remain unverified.

The young woman disclosed that she has submitted formal petitions to the Ondo State Police Command, the state government, and authorities responsible for overseeing traditional institutions in the state. She, however, expressed dissatisfaction with what she described as the slow pace of response.

“I just want justice and to feel safe,” she said, adding that she fears for her safety as alleged threats have persisted in recent weeks.

Sources indicate that police have commenced preliminary inquiries into the matter, including visits to locations identified by the complainant as relevant to the investigation.

When contacted for comment, the traditional ruler did not directly address the allegations and declined to provide further clarification.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to release an official statement on the case.