I Slept on Our Living Room Couch for Eight Years After My Aunt Took Over My Room

Temi, a 28-year-old Lagos-based data analyst, says her aunt moved into the family home temporarily because of safety concerns. What was meant to be a short stay became nearly nine years, with Temi forced out of her bedroom and onto the living room couch. She says the aunt took over her wardrobe, used her belongings, borrowed $5,000 without repaying it and damaged her car. Temi also felt singled out by strict expectations around cooking and cleaning that her brothers were not subjected to. The situation came to a head when Temi’s mother discovered that the aunt had been renting out the Lekki home she claimed was unsafe, while living with the family for free. Her mother eventually asked her to leave, allowing Temi to finally reclaim and repaint her room. Temi says the experience taught her that family ties do not erase the need for boundaries, privacy and accountability.

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