For Ayoola Idowu, the darkness that followed a routine medical procedure has taken on an even harsher reality, the looming threat of eviction from his home.Already battling total blindness he alleges resulted from a radiotherapy procedure at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Idowu is now at risk of losing his apartment in Ajuwon, Ogun State, after falling behind on rent.“I am not just in darkness; I am about to be on the street,” he told Good Health Weekly.“My landlord has given me a quit notice because I cannot pay. I don’t know where my family and I will go.”Idowu’s ordeal began in 2021 after he underwent keloid surgery at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Owo, and was referred to UCH for radiotherapy.He has maintained that lapses during the procedure led to his blindness, a claim that has continued to draw attention from patient rights advocates.But while questions around accountability linger, his immediate reality is survival.“I have not been able to work since I lost my sight. Everything stopped. I depend on people for daily living.”The financial strain, he explained, has left him unable to meet even basic obligations.“I owe about two years’ rent. Now the landlord wants to renovate the apartment and has asked me to leave. I understand, but where do I go like this?” he asked.Amid the uncertainty, a fragile hope has emerged. Idowu said he has established communication with a specialist hospital in India, where doctors indicated that a cornea transplant could offer a chance of restoring his sight.
Hope on the horizon“They told me there is a possibility I can see again, that is the only hope I have,” he said.However, the cost of that hope remains far beyond his reach.“The total amount needed is about $11,000 (N15,159,430). The surgery alone costs about N7.579,715 ($5,500 ).In a treatment plan and cost estimate from the MAX Healthcare, and made available to Good Health Weekly, the doctors handling his case explained that the treatment requires a consultation fee between N413,439 ($300) and N689,065) $500, travel will cost about N5,512,520 to N6,063, 772.00 ($4,000) to $4,400), and accommodation is about N689,065 ($500).”According to Dr. Parul Sharma, Director & HOD – Eye Care & Ophthalmology ot Max Hospital, Gurgaon, as per the available information/shared reports, Idowu needs a cornea transplant.“The treatment plan may change after complete evaluation of the patient. Any change of treatment plan will be in the best interest of the patient keeping specific funding in mind.”
Quit noticeAlso, in a quit notice sent through Adewole KK Ventures as directed by his landlord, Idowu is expected to vacate the apartment on the 1st day of July, 2026.The notice reads in parts, “We wish to inform you formally, to vacate the Room and Parlour, which you occupy.The landlord will like to notify you that he will like to renovate the room and parlour. Hence, you are expected to vacate the apartment on the 1st day of July 2026. Please make proper arrangement after 3 (three) months to give up vacant possession of the apartment and hand over the keys of the apartment to the landlord.“The landlord would like to make use of the apartment for renovation purposes. Hence, this notice to quit.”Sadly, with no steady income and mounting hardship, raising such an amount has proven impossible.“I cannot even pay my rent, let alone raise money for surgery,” he added.
Life saving surgeryNow caught between the urgent need for life-changing treatment and the immediate risk of homelessness, Idowu is making a renewed appeal to the Federal government, the Federal Ministry of Health, and Nigerians.“I need help to survive, I need money for my surgery so I can have a chance to see again, and I also need support to pay my rent so my family will not be thrown out,” he pleaded.For Idowu, the struggle is both physical and emotional, a fight to regain his sight and preserve his dignity.“I am fighting to see again, and at the same time fighting not to become homeless. Please, Nigerians should help me. I don’t want my family to suffer because of what happened to me.”If you are touched by Ayoola Idowu’s plight, please send your donations to this bank account number: 0045081436, Ayoola Idowu Oluwasanmi, Sterling Bank, or call him on 08031117606.