“Don’t Pity Me in Death” Nigerian Humanist Felicia Speaks on Attitudes Toward Mortality  

Secular Advocacy TV News Desk |

LAGOS — Nigerian humanist and women’s rights advocate Felicia Omolola Akindurodoye has called for reorientation in how people respond to death, saying she does not want pity or sorrow directed at her memory.

In a post considered highly controversial on her official Facebook handle, Akindurodoye wrote that death should be treated as a normal incidence of life rather than as a phenomenon that is inherently sorrowful or pitiful. She said reactions of sorrow are understandable only in specific circumstances, such as when a parent leaves behind dependent children, but argued that such sorrow reflects the loss felt by the living, not the deceased.

“Death is only sorrowful or pitiful when someone was killed,” she wrote. “For me, death is expected and NORMAL!!!!!!!! If you can, bless my memory and reflect on our encounters.”

She further criticised what she described as “eyah, victimhood and feeling better than thou attitude towards deceased people,” and asked that if she dies, people avoid posting pitiful remarks or sad emojis on her memory. Instead, she said she would prefer posts that celebrate her life and impact.

“Death, which is the end should actually be a celebration of the person, and remembering your time together. They have finished their own race, you will also end some day,” she stated.

Akindurodoye concluded her post by highlighting that the post was a disclaimer she had intended to share for a very long time.