The Nigerian online community has been thrown into a state of concern and mourning as the burial plans for popular content creator Esther Thomas, known as Sunshine, remain in limbo. Her close friends have issued a public plea, expressing frustration over the inability to get her family to come forward and claim her body for a proper funeral.
A Public Plea Amidst Grief and Promises
In an emotional video that has gone viral on social media, Sunshine's friends, led by Chidera Madu, revealed their ongoing ordeal. They stated that despite several attempts to contact members of Sunshine's extended family, their efforts have been met with silence and unfulfilled promises. The friends claim the family appears unbothered about the situation, leaving them to handle the tragic aftermath.
To substantiate their claims, the group shared voice note evidence of their communications with the family, highlighting the reactions they received upon informing them of Sunshine's passing. This move was intended to show the public the genuine challenges they are facing in laying their friend to rest.
Navigating Complex Family Circumstances
The situation is further complicated by Sunshine's immediate family circumstances. Her friends disclosed that her only brother is currently incarcerated. However, they noted that he has given his permission for the burial to proceed even without the presence of their extended family.
Chidera Madu also addressed circulating rumours in a separate video, clarifying that he was not living with Sunshine. He explained that he was only informed about her illness and that the content creator resided in Lagos State. The friends decided to initiate a public fundraiser, suspecting that financial constraints might be the reason behind the family's reluctance. This action, however, has drawn criticism from some netizens who accused them of exploiting the tragedy for clout and personal gain.
Public Reaction and Advice Pour In
The viral video has sparked a wave of reactions from fans and concerned citizens. Many have offered condolences while others have provided practical advice on how to navigate the delicate situation.
Key suggestions from the online community include:
- Seeking out maternal family members who might be more responsive.
- Involving the family's traditional leader or community head to mediate.
- Consulting a lawyer for proper legal guidance on next steps.
- Exploring the possibility of securing supervised release for her imprisoned brother to attend the burial, with approval from the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Comments from Instagram users like @ezinnefelixofficial and @proudly_africano echoed these sentiments, urging a structured and traditional approach to resolve the impasse.
Remembering Sunshine and a Difficult Year
Sunshine passed away a week ago following complications from a fibroid surgery at a private hospital. Her death adds to the growing list of losses in the Nigerian entertainment and creative space in 2026, a year that has seen the passing of other figures like singer Destiny Boy. The year has also brought personal tragedy to families of public figures like veteran singer Panam Percy Paul and writer Chimamanda Adichie, who each lost a son.
As the wait continues, the primary hope of Sunshine's friends is to secure the cooperation needed to give their talented friend, who "put a smile on people's faces," a dignified and peaceful final resting place.
