Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Funeral Held in Nairobi for Content Moderator
NAIROBI, Kenya – A solemn funeral service took place on Thursday in Nairobi, Kenya, for Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a Nigerian content moderator based in the country. Olubunmi, who worked for a global outsourcing company as a TikTok content moderator, passed away last month under circumstances that remain unclear. The ceremony drew mourners including family, friends, and colleagues, all impacted by her sudden demise.
Mourners Gather to Remember Olubunmi
The remains of Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, in a state of decomposition, were discovered on March 7 at her residence on the outskirts of Nairobi, the Kenyan capital. This discovery occurred three days after she did not report for her duties.
Her elder brother journeyed to Nairobi to attend the poignant service. Overwhelmed by sorrow, he joined friends and co-workers in paying tribute to Olubunmi, remembering her as a “selfless” individual.
Concerns Surrounding Death of Content Moderator
Olubunmi, aged 43, was employed as a content moderator for TikTok through Teleperformance, a multinational outsourcing firm. Prior to her death, the cause of which is still undetermined, she had voiced complaints of fatigue.
She had been residing in Kenya since 2022 and had only been able to make one trip back to her home country, despite her employment contract including an annual round-trip ticket benefit.
Dispute Over Leave and Working Conditions
Coworkers reported that she was “desperate to return home” but was allegedly denied permission to take leave. However, Teleperformance Kenya issued a statement in March refuting claims that leave was denied. In a commemorative statement, a company representative lauded Olubunmi as “a selfless, compassionate and deeply caring individual.”
Content moderators employed by subcontracted companies in Kenya have previously voiced concerns about their work environments. These concerns encompass issues such as:
- Substandard wages
- Insufficient mental health support
- Extended work hours
- Intimidation tactics
Call for Improved Conditions for Content Moderators
In a separate but related matter, over 100 former content moderators for Facebook have initiated legal action against the social media giant. Their lawsuit alleges unfair dismissal, inadequate compensation, and unsatisfactory working conditions.
Tauheed Tayo Yakubu, a colleague of Olubunmi, portrayed her as an advocate for improved workplace conditions. He recounted an incident in November 2023 when she orchestrated a walkout with Nigerian colleagues to protest for valid work permits.
“She urged every Nigerian to immediately leave their posts, and we subsequently marched in protest,” Yakubu stated, highlighting Olubunmi’s proactive role in advocating for workers’ rights.