Nigerian businessman, Oladapo Ogundipe, has contested the findings of the coroner’s inquest into the death of his daughter, Alanis, who tragically died by suicide on May 29, 2023, in the United Kingdom. The incident, allegedly precipitated by alleged blackmail from her boyfriend, Ryan Leggetts, prompted a preliminary inquest held in Bolton, Manchester.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the proceedings, Oladapo accused the legal representative, acting on his wife Josephine’s instruction, of initially obstructing his ability to provide evidence against Leggetts, who was also part of the hearing. Despite his objections, Oladapo was eventually allowed to testify.
He also criticized the lawyer for opposing his planned line of questioning aimed at revealing that Leggetts accessed Alanis’ phone without her consent, which may have exacerbated her distress. The father underscored his rights as an interested party in the inquest, emphasizing his exclusion from fully participating in questioning witnesses, particularly Leggetts.
The coroner’s report attributed Alanis’ suicide to financial difficulties and the potential breakdown of her relationship, highlighting Leggetts’ purported financial support and the strain on Alanis. Oladapo vehemently refuted these claims, citing his daughter’s access to funds and a lack of financial distress, and questioned Leggetts’ alleged supportive role in the relationship.
