A joyous occasion turned tragic in Lagos on Saturday when Otunba Kunle Akinyele, a prominent hotelier, collapsed and passed away during his wife’s 60th birthday thanksgiving service. The service, held at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Iyanu, in the Egbeda area, was meant to celebrate Deaconess Catherine Adejoke Akinyele.
According to reports, Akinyele, who was a Deputy Comptroller with the Customs Service, appeared to request water or an inhaler before collapsing. In a video circulating online, he can be seen gesturing for assistance moments before he suddenly fell. Despite efforts to revive him, he could not be saved.
The Thanksgiving service was part of a larger celebration, with a reception planned at Noble Castle Events Centre in Igando, where vendors had already arrived hours in advance to prepare. The party, originally set to begin in the afternoon, was tragically overshadowed by the heartbreaking news of Akinyele’s sudden death. As of now, authorities have not confirmed the cause of death.
Our deepest condolences go out to the Akinyele family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.
