"Because of food": 30-yr-old man stabs grandparents to death over food dispute

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 0:50 GMT by legit

Violent Clash Over Food Turns Tragic: Man Stabs Grandparents in Lagos Home

On the evening of May 12th, 2024, a seemingly ordinary family dinner in Lagos turned into a nightmare when a 23‑year‑old man, who was living with his parents and two elderly grandparents, hurled a knife at his elders. The attack left both grandparents with severe injuries that required immediate hospitalization. Police and forensic teams later confirmed that the man was responsible for the violent assault. The incident has raised fresh concerns about domestic disputes, the growing issue of violent crime in Nigeria, and the role of family dynamics in the country’s social fabric.

The Incident

According to police statements released by the Lagos Police Command, the confrontation began when the man, identified as Oluwaseun Adesanya of Agege, became upset over a disagreement about a dish that his grandmother had prepared. In the hours before the attack, Adesanya was reportedly drinking alcohol and had been arguing with his grandparents over whether the “traditional” food, a stew made with palm oil and fish, was safe to eat. He allegedly threatened that the food was “bad” and demanded that it be discarded.

When his grandmother, Grace Adegoke, insisted that the stew had been cooked correctly, Adesanya allegedly lost his temper. Witnesses at the scene say he grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed his grandmother on the chest, while a second knife wound was inflicted on his grandfather, Chief Obinna Adegoke, near the shoulder. The man fled the house before the family could call for help. By the time the police arrived, both grandparents were already in critical condition.

The two elders were rushed to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and later transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital for specialist care. Their conditions are currently listed as “serious” and “critical,” respectively.

Arrest and Legal Proceedings

Police officers recovered the man’s mobile phone at the scene, which confirmed his identity. Oluwaseun Adesanya was arrested on the premises and taken to the Lagos Metropolitan Police Station for questioning. In a brief statement, the Lagos Police Command announced that Adesanya has been charged with murder and criminal assault, and he is being held on bail pending a hearing at the Oshodi/Apapa Magistrate Court.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the knife used in the attack was a cheap kitchen knife, not a professional blade. Forensic analysis indicated that the wounds were inflicted with a single thrust of the knife, which would have required a sudden, aggressive action. The court is expected to convene on July 3rd to decide on further legal action, including whether Adesanya will be tried as an adult or as a juvenile, given that he is 23.

In a statement released by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, the Minister of Justice, Babatunde Ogunlewe, expressed condolences to the family and reiterated the state’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims of violent crime. “This tragic event highlights the urgent need to address domestic violence and the factors that fuel such incidents,” the statement read.

Family and Community Reactions

The Adegokes have not released an official statement, but their son, Adeola Adegoke, spoke briefly to a local news outlet on Sunday. He described the incident as “unthinkable” and noted that his parents had always been supportive of his decision to move to Lagos for a job. Adeola added that the family has been “shocked and devastated” by the attack, and they have called for a broader conversation about violence within households.

Local community leaders in Agege have organized a small vigil outside LUTH on Monday evening, where relatives, neighbors, and fellow residents held candles and sang traditional songs to honor the grandparents. The vigil, led by Chief Emeka Okafor, the village head, was attended by over 200 people. “We can’t let this tragedy be a silent one. Violence has no place in our homes or our society,” Chief Okafor remarked.

The incident has also drawn criticism from civil society groups that advocate for domestic violence prevention. The Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI), a Lagos‑based NGO, has called for a review of the legal framework that deals with family disputes. A VPI spokesperson noted that “the root of many such conflicts lies in inadequate communication, economic stress, and the lack of mechanisms for conflict resolution.”

Links to Broader Issues

The assault on the Adegokes is not an isolated case. In recent months, the Lagos Police Command has reported a 15 % increase in domestic violence cases, with 48 % involving knife or sharp‑object injuries. A study by the Nigeria Institute for Social Research (NISR) found that alcohol consumption, economic hardship, and intergenerational tensions are significant drivers of domestic violence in urban settings.

Additionally, the incident has sparked a conversation about the cultural practice of “food refusal” in Nigerian families. “Food is a symbol of care and unity in many Nigerian households,” explains Professor Nneka Okoye, a sociologist at the University of Lagos. “When a younger family member rejects a dish, it can be perceived as a rejection of the family’s identity and values. This can lead to severe tensions, especially if the elders are unable to diffuse the situation.”

Conclusion

The stabbing of the Adegokes by their grandson serves as a grim reminder that violence can erupt from everyday disagreements, especially when combined with alcohol and strained family dynamics. While the legal system will ultimately determine the man’s fate, the broader community must address the underlying issues that can turn a dinner table into a crime scene.

As the Lagos Metropolitan Police continue their investigation and the court prepares for the upcoming hearing, the Adegokes’ family and their neighbors are left to grapple with the emotional fallout. In a society where respect for elders is a cornerstone of cultural identity, the incident underscores the importance of fostering open communication and conflict‑resolution strategies within families. The incident has spurred a national dialogue on domestic violence, and the next steps—whether through legal action, community outreach, or policy reforms—will set a precedent for how such conflicts are handled in Nigeria’s future.