Ekiti Man Devastated After Smoking Ban, Fears It Will Affect His Ability to Defecate

A dramatic scene unfolded in Ekiti State yesterday as a man reportedly broke down in uncontrollable tears upon hearing that smoking has been officially banned in all public and private places across the state’s 16 local government areas. The man, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed in an emotional confession that his daily ability to defecate comfortably is tied directly to his long-standing smoking habit — a routine he fears he may no longer be able to maintain under the new law.

The sweeping ban, announced by state authorities as part of a bold move to curb tobacco use and protect public health, prohibits smoking in both indoor and outdoor spaces, including private residences, offices, parks, and other public venues. While health officials applauded the policy as a significant step forward in combating the harmful effects of tobacco exposure, it has sparked intense personal distress for some, none more visibly than the unnamed man whose emotional collapse has become the subject of local discussion.

Speaking in a low, quivering voice, the man explained that for years, smoking a stick or two of cigarettes before using the toilet had become a dependable ritual — one he claims helped him relax and facilitated a smooth bowel movement. “People don’t understand,” he said, wiping tears from his face. “This is not just about smoking. This is about my health, my comfort. If I don’t smoke, I can’t go. That’s how my body works now. I’m scared of what will happen to me.”

Neighbors in his Ado-Ekiti community confirmed that the man had been visibly distraught since the news broke, describing him as “weak and withdrawn,” barely eating and unwilling to engage in his usual daily activities. For him, the government’s decision is more than a legal restriction — it’s a sudden disruption to a deeply personal, albeit unconventional, coping mechanism.

While the state government has assured citizens that the move was made with the best interest of public welfare in mind — citing overwhelming medical evidence linking smoking to a range of diseases, including cancer, respiratory disorders, and cardiovascular issues — the human side of the policy’s impact is beginning to emerge. Health experts in the state have encouraged individuals struggling with nicotine dependency to seek support, and they are expected to roll out cessation programs in the coming weeks.