Tragedy struck in Lagos on Saturday when prominent hotelier Otunba Kunle Akinyele collapsed and died during a church thanksgiving ceremony celebrating his wife’s 60th birthday.
The heartbreaking incident took place at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Iyanu, Odemuyiwa District Headquarters, Egbeda, Lagos, at what was meant to be a joyous occasion marking Deaconess Catherine Adejoke Akinyele’s milestone celebration.
A now-viral video, shared on Facebook by Ayoade Ojeniyi on Sunday, captured the final moments of the businessman, who appeared to be in visible distress while delivering a testimony. In the video, Akinyele is seen gesturing, seemingly asking for water or an inhaler, before collapsing mid-speech.
In a post describing the lavish preparations for the event, one of the vendors wrote, “A variety of foods were set, decorations, cocktails, emu oguro, and many more,” giving a glimpse into the grand reception that had been planned for later.
What was to follow as a celebratory reception at Noble Castle Events Centre, Igando, was abruptly cancelled as news of Akinyele’s collapse spread. Despite efforts to revive him, he could not be saved.
“The MC had spoken with him around 1:23 p.m., but by 2 p.m., we heard he was gone. This is how people die?” the vendor added in disbelief.
The tragic turn of events left many still struggling to come to terms with the loss. The vendor, deeply affected, added, “I can’t possibly ask for my balance for the job.”
What was intended to be a day of celebration turned into a sombre occasion, as guests at the reception venue were seen leaving in shock and confusion, with some visibly in tears.
At the time of writing, the exact cause of Akinyele’s death had not been officially confirmed.
