‘I’m thankful I left US’, Man reveals how mother ‘forced’ him to move to Nigeria

Michael Sonariwo, born in Washington D.C. and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, shared his experience of being moved to Nigeria by his mother when he was about to start his junior year of high school. He described the decision as a shock, having grown up and enjoyed his life in Atlanta.

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One day after my sophomore year, my mom tells me, ‘Hey, I’m moving to Nigeria.’ And I look at her and I say, ‘Congratulations.’ She looks at me back and says, ‘No, we’re all going,’

His mother informed him of the move one day after his sophomore year concluded. Sonariwo recalled his initial reaction was congratulatory, only for his mother to clarify that the entire family was relocating. He resisted the move throughout the summer, with various individuals, including relatives, friends, and members of the Nigerian community in Atlanta, trying to convince his mother to let him stay. Even his pastor offered him a place to stay, but his mother remained resolute.

The turning point came during a farewell sleepover with friends. While driving him home, his mother became emotional, leading Michael to promise he would board the flight to Nigeria the next day. He recounted crying throughout the flight to Lagos, prompting a flight attendant to inquire about his well-being. His mother then reportedly tore up his American passport and enrolled him in a boarding school.

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Once I said I promise, my mom wiped her face, drove back home to Cobb County, packed our stuff, and I was on the Delta flight to Nigeria

After six months, Sonariwo left the school and went to the U.S. Embassy, informing officials he was being held against his will. Although embassy staff offered him a flight back to the United States, he declined, fearing disownment by his family. He stayed in Nigeria, living with his grandmother for two years while his mother settled. He noted the significant cultural adjustment, including being called "Yankee boy" due to his accent and struggling with disciplinary practices at his new school, Supreme Education Foundation (SEF) in Magodo, Lagos. This led to a confrontation with a teacher and subsequent caning. Reflecting on the experience, Sonariwo acknowledged that it helped him adjust to Nigerian life and understand the importance of parents preparing children for major cultural shifts.

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I’m thankful I left but that was one of the most painful days