By Laolu Adio
A rights group, Egalitarian Society Pushers (ASP) has deplored the killing of a notable Lesbian, Gay, Bisexuality, and Transgender (LGBT) activist in the Orita-Aperin area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, recently.
It also condemned the authorities and some sections of the Nigerian public for the life-threatening stigma reserved for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) persons in the society.
The group made the observation in a statement by its secretary-general, Pastor Samuel Ilesanmi, in Ibadan.
Specifically, Ilesanmi spat at the killing of an LGBT activist simply identified as Kingsley Adegha, who was reportedly lynched by some religious fanatics in Olorunshogo area, off Orita-Aperin in Ibadan for admonishing people that homosexuals, cross-dressers, gay and lesbian persons are no sinners but people exercising their rights.
Ilesanmi said, “though I am a pastor and do not support bisexual practice, I do respect their right to live in the society without molestation, persecution or stigmatisation in line with acceptable global practices.
“This man was seen telling some religious preachers that there is no crime in belonging to the LGBT fold as it is within the right of everyone to engage in self-pleasure so far it does not affect others negatively.
“Enraged, the religious fanatics clubbed him to death.”
The rights group leader, in passing the comment, also referred to the plight of a housewife, Mrs. Stella Collins, her husband and children over accusation that Stella was caught with another female in the bisexual act and thus deserved to be punished.
“We have stood with this poor woman and her family over the growing request since two years ago that she should be presented for both police prosecution in court and native cleansing through some degrading rituals in some hollow family shrines,” he lamented.
The Nigerian law prescribes a 14-year jail term for anyone caught in homosexual practice.