Everything We Know About Funfere’s History of Violence and Abuse

Trigger warning: Rape and Gender-based violence.

On July 8, 2023, Funferekenye “Bodiowei” Koroye was called out on social media for years of abusive behaviour against his ex-partners. The allegations include emotional manipulation, stalking and rape.

What do we know about Funfere?

According to his website, Funfere is an industrial product designer. He previously worked at Daywater Care School, Antler Global, African for African Sports (AFA Sports) and Tecno Mobile.

Funfere is currently an ambassador for The Balvenie Distillery in Nigeria, and he  runs a company called Studio Koroye. He is also a recipient of TechNation’s talent visa grant.

His last tweet on 7, July 2023 a day before he was called out.

https://twitter.com/funferekoroye/status/1677373107164831745?t=mFBpkGkVak7xzz27z1Jfkg&s=19

He’s also active on Instagram — where he allegedly makes frequent sexist comments.

https://twitter.com/theoluwabukunmi/status/1677935541428318209?s=46&t=2ONpvA1AtSmbmfzAwN65Fg

When did the allegations start?

On July 1, 2023, Ozzy Etomi tweeted about needing help for a woman who was being stalked and harassed by her ex. 

If a person (in Nigeria), is being constantly stalked and harrassed by their violent ex (who battered them in the relationship), whats their best course of action. Are there any orgs that help? Do restraining orders even work? He constantly finds where she works, lives etc

— Ozzy (@ozzyetomi) July 1, 2023

A few days later, on July 8th, Ozzy made a follow-up thread that went viral. It details the events at an art opening Rele Gallery, where Funfere Koroye publicly attacked his ex, in the presence of multiple witnesses.  

I was approached 2 weeks ago by a concerned third party, about a woman who was terrified of her ex who had been stalking, harrassing and threatening her for 2+ years, following a physically abusive relationship. If you recall I came on twitter asking if any orgs could help.

— Ozzy (@ozzyetomi) July 8, 2023

A few days after her friend reached out to me, she attended an artist opening at Rele Gallery, where said ex, the man who happens to be Funfere Koroye, attacked her publicly in view of multiple eye witnesses.

— Ozzy (@ozzyetomi) July 8, 2023

Turns out the first tweet about needing help for a victim of harassment was for the lady Funfere attacked at the art gallery, and she attached further proof of his violence.  

In this short clip, you see the equally short gentleman charge through the crowd once he sees her walk in with her friend. People immediately intervene attempting to drag him out & she also leaves. He allegedly keeps trying to hit her and follows her to her car to drag her out. pic.twitter.com/fuaIZyYfUj

— Ozzy (@ozzyetomi) July 8, 2023

In this other clip, you see witnesses who were outside seeing him attack a woman intervene and start fighting the little tazmanian devil back pic.twitter.com/WOUd4R4Ex7

— Ozzy (@ozzyetomi) July 8, 2023

It was also alleged that Funfere stalked his ex-partner for two days before eventually assaulting her at the gallery. 

https://twitter.com/doitlikejuls/status/1677721430937485312?s=20

Other information has come to light in the hours following this revelation. Some of the key allegations against Funfere include:

• He’s a known abuser.

https://twitter.com/lsoogliegoddes1/status/1677768241177845761?s=20

• His abuse allegedly dates back to 2018.

https://twitter.com/doitlikejuls/status/1677715669159165952?t=gN8QX5R9SluWNqW67FKAKg&s=19

https://twitter.com/doitlikejuls/status/1677733827102359552?s=20

• He couldn’t handle rejection

https://twitter.com/doitlikejuls/status/1677746890257887233?s=20

• He’s also been accused of rape.

https://twitter.com/account20235767/status/1677697711338840066?s=46

Other accounts, including a different victim, have also come out to share proof of his pattern of abuse.

1.

https://twitter.com/aanuaustine/status/1677752830029881347?s=20

2.

https://twitter.com/doitlikejuls/status/1677715669159165952?s=20

3.

https://twitter.com/doitlikejuls/status/1677727758397366272?s=20

Any word from the authorities?

At the time of publication, there’s no sign that Funfere has been invited for questioning by relevant authorities. However, the Lagos Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Agency (DSVA) Lagos DSVA have responded and are on top of the situation.

Our attention has been drawn to this & would appreciate any additional information that can be given.

We are desirous of working with the survivor in ensuring she receives support, protection and justice.

Please feel free to contact us via direct message or call 0813-796-0048 https://t.co/XF6iF5tjtY

— Lagos DSVA (@Lagosdsva) July 8, 2023

Update:

Funfere is yet to respond to the allegations, but on the 23rd of July 2023, he posted the image below on his Instagram page, captioned “Thank You For Everything.”

In a now-deleted response to a comment, he revealed that he has lost a brand ambassadorship deal and his business incubator spot.