Mrs Omowumi Oduntan is a widow and mother of three whose life changed after a tragic beach accident left her only son with a severe spinal cord injury. Today, she is also caring for two daughters battling chronic kidney disease and Type 1 diabetes. In this interview with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI, she speaks about survival, faith, and the daily struggle to keep her children alive.
Can you tell us about your family and what life looks like for you now as a widow and mother?
I have three children: a son, who is my first child, and two daughters. I currently live in Ile-Ife and am in the frozen foods business. I am not actively running it now because of my situation.
Can you take us back to the moment your life changed completely and you realised you would be caring full-time for three children with serious health challenges?
On December 29, 2010, when we were still living in Lagos, my son, Oluwafemi Oduntan, went to Alpha Beach and got swept away by the current. After about 30 minutes, the wave brought him back, and he was found floating and was brought out by people at the beach, but he could not move or feel anything.
He was taken to a private hospital and later referred for an MRI. The result showed a spinal cord injury at C4 and C5, which left him paralysed from the neck down.
How old was he at the time?
He was 19 years old. We were referred to a teaching hospital the next day, where he was admitted into the Intensive Care Unit and placed on oxygen. After nine days, he was moved to the ward and had surgery. While in the hospital, he developed severe wounds, and one became infected with maggots. It was devastating for me to see.
We spent three months in the hospital before he was discharged. The doctors told me he might never walk again. When we got home, I continued treating his wounds, but after two years, there was no significant improvement.
Living in Lagos became too expensive, so in 2014, I moved with my children to Ile-Ife, where I am from, to take care of him and my two daughters, who later became sick.
What happened to your daughters?
My last daughter, Teniola, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 12 after she suddenly collapsed. Since then, she has been on insulin and other medications, which I have to keep buying regularly.
My first daughter, Oyinlola Oduntan, travelled to Cairo to work and support the family. She was sending money, but last year she called to say she was very sick. She had become very weak and could no longer continue working.
She later returned to Nigeria with the help of some kind people. When I saw her at the airport, I cried because she was extremely weak. After several tests, she was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.
My first child is now 35 years old and still living with the effects of a severe spinal cord injury. My second child is 32 years old and living with kidney disease, while my last daughter is 16 years old and managing Type 1 diabetes.
What did the doctors recommend?
They said she would need dialysis and eventually a kidney transplant. It was very hard for me to accept. We were referred to different hospitals, and her condition was critical; her blood levels were very low, and she needed transfusions.
I kept praying and trusting God. At some point, her test results started improving gradually with medication and care. Her creatinine levels reduced significantly over time. Even though doctors insisted on dialysis, I chose to continue with medication and monitoring.
What informed your decision to decline dialysis?
It was not because of money. I believe in God, and I have also observed that many people on dialysis don’t usually survive. Dialysis supports the kidneys, but over time, it can weaken the body. I believe early detection and proper care are important. Herbs like corn silk, when boiled with water, and medications improved her health over time.
How have you been coping emotionally?
It has not been easy at all. Sometimes, I sit alone and cry for a long time. There are days the pain feels too heavy, and I don’t even know where to start. But I always remind myself that crying will not solve the problem, so I gather strength and keep praying.
There are times I don’t have money to buy drugs, and I have had to beg for help just to keep my children going. It is very difficult for one person to carry all of this alone. The responsibility is overwhelming, and sometimes I feel completely exhausted.
Life has been so unfair to me and my children. I am a widow with no husband to support me, and caring for three sick children has drained me in every way, financially, emotionally and physically. Sometimes, I feel like I am breaking, but I still have to be strong for them because they have no one else.
What kind of support have you received?
My family tried at the beginning, but over time, they became tired because they also have their own problems. Most of the support I receive now comes from strangers who have chosen to show up and help.
How is your health and well-being?
I am constantly exhausted. I have high blood pressure and experience emotional stress due to everything happening around me. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed and have no one to talk to. But I still believe God has a purpose.
Did your children go to school despite everything?
My first son was supposed to start university in January 2011. He had already secured admission, but the incident happened in December 2010, just before resumption. He could not continue school because he lost the use of his hands and fingers.
My second child graduated from Yaba College of Technology and later continued at the National Open University in Osogbo, but she did not complete it before travelling to Cairo.
My last child is still in school. She is preparing for her WAEC and JAMB examinations.
How is she managing her diabetes?
She is on insulin. She takes two injections daily. It is not easy at all. It requires constant attention, discipline and money for medication, but we are managing.
What has been the most difficult part of your journey?
It is watching my children suffer and not being able to provide everything they need because of financial constraints. Seeing my son unable to move, yet still having to care for him, including bathing him, is heartbreaking. My daughters are also battling kidney disease and diabetes, and it breaks my heart. As a mother, you want to take away their pain, but sometimes you can’t.
If you could ask for help, what would you need most?
I need financial support for my children’s medical care and to restart my business. I also need consistent assistance for medications because these are lifelong conditions. The wheelchair my son is using is in very bad condition and needs replacement.
What message do you have for people?
Be grateful for their health and their families. Life can change in an instant. I also want people to help others when they can. The little support they give can make a big difference.
Most importantly, I want people to have faith in God in every situation. I believe He is still working, even in difficult times.
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