Time Will Tell | Yemi.com

A True Story of Abduction, Survival & Reconciliation

A Lifetime of Stories

This 2023; 3rd edition marks 50 years from 1973 when the events of my story began. I was 7 years old then and now at 57, I am very proud to be able to share my story once again.

Before writing “Time Will Tell” I didn't know anyone else who had been through experiences like mine, so it never crossed my mind that it was a global issue and one that needed more publicity. International Parental Child Abduction can be a very frightening experience for the parents involved and of course for the children. International parental child abduction is an act of illegally taking a child from their home usually by one of the parents across international borders; but it can also be done by an acquaintance or another member of the family.

Some images from my experiences

Media Work. The Story. Reviews.

BBC News: 29th, June 2011

The number of British children abducted by a parent and taken to a country beyond Foreign Office protection has risen by 10% in the past year, it says.

The UK authorities struggle to negotiate a child's return from countries not signed up to the Hague Convention.

Yemi Elegunde was taken to Nigeria by his father when he was seven years old, and didn't see his mother for 11 years.

He spoke to BBC Breakfast about his experience.

In the Newspapers

I had no idea how huge the subject of International Parental Child Abduction was, I thought it was something that had just happened to my sister and I. It turned out that I was one of the first children to give an in depth insight into the psychological scars that the affected child/children go through.

From concept to 1st Edition

The Questions Just Kept Coming:

Why did your dad do it? How did your mum react that day when she realised that you were both missing? How did you restart your life? Did you ever see your mum in between those 14 years? and so on...

Soon with the aid of "Reunited International," and a few other organisations, I learnt that Every Other day, a British child is abducted by a parent or family relative to a foreign country without the knowledge or consent of the other parent.

A History of Revisions & Updates

When I started the project of writing the manuscript in June 2005 which eventually became the published book in 2011, “Time Will Tell”, never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would attract so many readers.

In its 2nd edition, published in 2014, I answered most of the questions that readers of the original book had asked, including the biggest question of all, in my father’s own words, why he took us away without our mother's knowledge or consent.

In 2023, 9 years since the last revision and after years of deliberation and with a few huge surprises along the way, I finally realised that I was lucky enough to have to publish this 3rd edition.

Yemi: Aged 7, 1973

This was my last school photo in the UK before I went missing, it became my "missing" photo.

On getting back indoors, Mum noticed the parcel that she had asked Dad to post earlier that morning on the coffee table, she says at that point alarm bells began to ring for her. She then went into the bedrooms and saw scattered clothes all over the bed and floor, the possibility and realisation of the improbable began to play on her mind.

Later, she called the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) who then advised her to immediately contact the airports authority, they also tried to reassure her that her kids must be in the UK somewhere and that it was unlikely that he could have got them out of the country so quickly.

1973 All Saints Primary, Nigeria

Just a few months later, in 1973, here is my first school photo taken at All Saints Preparatory School in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria.

I am in the back row, 2nd from the right, and my sister who was 5 at the time is right in the middle of the front row.

Nigeria 2012 with family

My sister is in the front, 2nd from the right. I'm in the suit, waving. with family that we grew up with back in Nigeria.

Mayflower_Secondary_School,_Ikenne,_Ogun_state.jpg

Mayflower Junior

My 2nd primary school in Nigeria. I was only here for a short while but learned a lot in life.

Government College Ketu

My Secondary school in Nigeria. I attended from 1978 - 1984.

Dad's Funeral 2012

My sister and I travelled back to Nigeria together for the first time since we were taken as kids.

5.0 out of 5 starsA truly heart wrenching story about a little boy's struggles after being abducted and whisked away to a begin new life

12 January 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

"A truly heart wrenching story about the trials and tribulations of Yemi growing up in Nigeria after being abducted by his father when he was a very young boy. After reading the book I feel as if I know Yemi, his Sister, Father and the rest of his family personally, as the well written book details his daily struggles to cope with a new Country, Culture, Language, Extended family, Education etc. The book makes you go through these struggles with him through his own eyes and thoughts. A truly gripping roller coaster ride.

Yemi should be proud of his achievements in life despite the harsh realities endured, You have kept your dignity and respect throughout. A true inspiration to us all.

I highly recommended purchasing this book."

Jiten on Amazon UK

5.0 out of 5 stars Brought tears to my eyes

"This is a personal, heartfelt and very moving story about a boy (and later a young man) coming to terms with a whole new way of life, after being taken from his mother suddenly and having to cope with a country very different to England.

I read this in two days flat and couldn't put it down - Yemi has a very honest and open way of conveying his experiences, with raw emotion (from anger to love, forgiveness and confusion). Aside from this book offering a deep insight into Nigeria through the eyes of a child, it also touches on the politics of the country at that time in the '80s and has many anecdotes that really bring the story to life.

As someone who usually doesn't read true stories (I tend to stick to fiction), I couldn't put this down. It got quite sad towards the end and I could almost feel what Yemi was going through. Well worth a read."

Mr. D. M. C. Sacco

5.0 out of 5 starsCandid, disturbing, and all too true...

December 18, 2011
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

"I could not read Yemi's story all at once It took time. I had to put the book down to digest what appears to be a deceptively simple story. It is not a simple story. However, it is an all-too-common story. This book presents an very intimate look, through the eyes of a child, the life of a young boy, ripped from his country, friends, school, and mothers. He was taken to a foreign land where he was forced to navigate a new school, culture, and language, with few answers to his questions. Emotionally abandoned, the young boy grows into a man. He survived, but the boy's loss echos shadows on every page."

Maureen Dabbagh
VA Supreme Court Famiy Mediator
author, "Parental Kidnapping in America: An Historical and Cultural Analysis" . Amazon.com

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for parents

"Absolutely loved this book. I would recommend this book to any parent, so that they may understand how much of an impact their actions can have on their children. Thank you Yemi Elegunde for sharing your story. I had no idea of the educational processes in place in Nigeria and your experiences helped to inform me."

Tony Tate

5.0 out of 5 starsRiveting!!!

4 June 2018
Format: Paperback

For anyone of Nigerian heritage who was born in England and taken "home" to Nigeria, many of the incidents in this remarkable true story will resonate and it is a "must read". It is a moving account of the aftermath of a cruel separation, and of having to adjust to life in a new country.

I felt empathy and admiration as I read Yemi's description of the trials and tribulations he went through at his various schools and his relationship with friends, girlfriends and family, particularly his father and sister. His account of events is relayed vividly and with emotional sincerity and, at times, humour. Its been a while since I sat and read a book cover to cover over a long weekend, which is testament to how much i enjoyed it.

Adenike Balogun - Amazon UK

5.0 out of 5 stars 'Time Will Tell' is a page turner until the end!!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 July 2017

"This book is a must read! A truly amazing story. I literally could not put it down. Despite the adversity Yemi faced there was always something positive to take away from the experiences.
Having worked with Yemi before reading his book, I had no idea about his past and the difficulties he faced. He's an amazingly kind and genuine guy and makes you respect him all the more knowing about his journey to adulthood.
Thank you for sharing your story, it was sad yet inspiring all at the same time."

Amazon Customer

A True Story of Abduction, Survival & Reconciliation

Some images from my experiences

Some Reviews