Abolaji Muiz Otiki’s Journey From Nigeria to the UK Shapes the Vision Behind Born Killers

Tolulope Oke

For Abolaji Muiz Otiki, Born Killers (BKS) is not just a creative direction, it’s a response to lived experience. His journey began in Nigeria before moving to the United Kingdom in 2020 to study Law with Criminology at the University of Leicester, a transition that gradually led him into the fashion and creative space.

While settling into a new environment, Otiki began exploring modelling and fashion, drawn to the energy and possibility within the industry. But early on, he noticed a pattern. “There were unspoken expectations around how you should present yourself,” he said. “At times, it felt like you had to adjust who you were just to be seen.” For him, it wasn’t just about breaking into space, it was about understanding why it felt so difficult to do so authentically.

Those experiences led to a shift in perspective. Instead of trying to fit into what already existed, Otiki began questioning the absence of spaces where people could show up fully as themselves. “I started asking why authenticity had to be compromised for opportunity,” he explained. That question would eventually become the foundation for BKS.

Starting out wasn’t straightforward. Without established connections or backing, he built things independently, learning through trial and error. “There wasn’t a clear path,” he said. “It was about starting with what I had and figuring it out along the way.” That process helped shape the direction of BKS in a way that stayed true to his original intent.

Today, the platform reflects that journey, one built from experience rather than assumption. “It’s about creating something honest,” Otiki added. “Something that allows people to exist as they are, without feeling like they need to change to belong.” His story continues to shape the identity of BKS, grounding it in something real and relatable.