Edafe is a gay refugee from Nigeria who was granted asylum. In Nigeria, he was a victim of mob violence due to his work advocating for LGBTQ access to health care.

Edafe

Edafe is a gay refugee from Nigeria who was granted asylum. In Nigeria, he was a victim of mob violence due to his work advocating for LGBTQ access to health care.

When he arrived in the U.S., he told the immigration agents at the airport that he would like to apply for asylum. They detained him at the Elizabeth detention center in New Jersey for over five months.

Edafe eventually won his asylum case, but life outside of the detention center has not been easy. Having a different accent, a foreign degree, and dark skin have “been a rough ride.” However, Edafe believes in the diversity of this country and its commitment to freedom of speech and action. “I am a fighter and I am not giving up on the struggle to find a new home.”

Edafe not only fought for himself, he fought for others. He founded the only shelter in New York City specifically for asylum seekers and refugees experiencing homelessness. In 2022, his book ASYLUM, A Memoir & Manifesto was released.