Following the media storm which started a couple of days ago [July 28] concerning the controversy surrounding the #SaveMayowa cancer treatment fundraiser there have been accusations raised left and right!
Yesterday we learnt that after blogger Linda Ikeji and actress Toyin Aimakhu claimed the family of Mayowa scammed well meaning Nigerians the Lagos state police command not only launched an investigation into the case but froze the account which holds the N85M raised. Last night a video also emerged of Mayowa’s family and friends confronting Aimakhu and accusing her of leaking the story about a scam to Ikeji.
Toyin Aimakhu was the first celebrity to raise awareness about Mayowa’s illness when she posted a very emotional video of her with the gravely ill 28 year old. The video in which we see the actress crying profusely, while pleading for donations immediately went viral and helped Mayowa reach and exceed her goal of raising N32 million in Nigeria and over a $100000 through her Go Fund Me page in just 3 days! It is being reported that in Nigeria alone – N85 Million was raised.
Since this entire controversy started on Thursday, an unconfirmed close family source took to allege that Toyin asked Mayowa’s family to pay for her ticket and expenses so she could travel abroad with Mayowa for her treatment.
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[quote_box_left]Soliat Tobi bolaji @tobysunlight
Now I’m hearing aunty @toyinaimakhu wanted to fly with Mayowa and wanted the family to cover the expenses. Family refused. Ring any bells?[/quote_box_left]
The same source also said Aramide Kasumu the founder of nonprofit organization, Life Stake Foundation (who also accused the family of scamming Nigerians) wanted the funds raised to be diverted through the Life Stake bank account.
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I asked Mayowa’s sister if aramide spoke to her today. She said “no, she came to LUTH and went straight to Toyin”. She never even spoke 2 d family to ask their side of the story.
Did I mention that Mayowa’s sis told me madam lifestakefoundation wanted d donations passed thru lifestake and d family refused? That’s apparently why aramide/lifestake distanced herself from the campaign.
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The tweet went on to add that allegedly when the family refused to do Aimakhu and Kashamu’s bidding that’s when talk of a scam started.
I’m at LUTH now and IT IS NOT A SCAM! HER FAMILY DID NOT ABSCOND! HER SISTER IS HERE! THE NURSES… It is a big fat lie. The brother that has allegedly been picked up is here at luth crying and saying he didn’t want to source public funds. I was with the brother when they posted the video saying police has carried her brother.bastard liars. Just want to ruin a person’s life.
Late last night Toyin Aimakhu took to her Instagram page to release her first official statement addressing the scam claims and criticisms leveled against her. There’s also a leaked audio recording obtained by Abiyamo Blog, of Mayowa Ahmed’s brother saying the foundation and Aimakhu were not interested in helping them for free.
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Mayowa Ahmed’s Saga: My(Toyin Aimakhun) Story
[pull_quote_center]In view of the recent happenings around Mayowa Ahmed’s ill health and the many allegations of fraud surrounding the funds raised, it has become imperative that I come clean by stating my side of the story and by implications, set the record straight.
When I got wind of Mayowa’s sickness, I was moved to tears and immediately sought to know how I could help, hence my on-the-spot video which went viral as my genuine intervention.
Indeed, I was overwhelmed by the quick response of well-meaning Nigerians to whom I will forever owe a debt of gratitude.
But all this changed yesterday, Thursday 28th, July, when I went to the hospital in the morning to check as well as follow up on Mayowa. Her brother had told everyone to leave them alone because they wanted privacy. Although I was shocked at the sudden change in attitude, especially the tone of communication, I still did not suspect anything was amiss.
However, on my way out, I received a call from one Aramide Kasumu of Life Stake Foundation, who would later claim the whole Mayowa Ahmed fund raiser was a scam. Importantly, she wanted to know the extent of my involvement and in her words, “so that when they are giving their reports, I would not be roped into it”. She went further to state that the family deceived everyone in the first place by raising funds for Mayowa despite the fact that her case was helpless and the hopes of her survival was near impossible. She seemed to know so much, I reckoned.
Upon hearing this, I was appalled and in a bid to clear my name, I went back to the hospital in palpable anger and demanded explanations from all concerned. Perhaps, I overreacted when I went into a rage of anger over the matter with the CSO. I then alerted the Police PRO, who invited the parties involved to the police command.
I want to state for the record that I have never been a fraud and will never partake in one, not even at this stage of my career (which I hold to heart). All my efforts were strictly on humanitarian grounds without recourse to any pecuniary consideration or the resort to cheap fame. That said, whatever discomfort my reactions may have cost anyone
That said, whatever discomfort my reactions may have cost anyone from any quarters is highly regretted and I take responsibility.
Whilst I wish Mayowa a quick recovery and divine intervention, I want to urge us as a people to continue to exhibit that enviable Nigerian spirit of compassion and generosity and not because of this isolated case cease to be our sister/brother’s keeper. I love you all and thank you.[/pull_quote_center]