98Otunba Kunle Akinyele, a well-known hotelier in Lagos, suddenly slumped and died during a thanksgiving service for his wife’s 60th birthday on Saturday.
Cause of death not immediately known but the manner of how he passed on likely suggested a heart failure.
The incident was shared by digital creator Ayoade Ojeniyi on Facebook, who mentioned that Akinyele appeared to gesture for help, possibly asking for water just moments before he collapsed.
A video accompanying the post showed Akinyele visibly distressed before falling to the ground.
The thanksgiving service took place at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Iyanu, Odemuyiwa District Headquarters, in Egbeda, Lagos, and was organized to honor Deaconess Catherine Adejoke Akinyele, his wife.
Following the church service, a reception was scheduled to take place at the Noble Castle Events Centre in Igando.
According to the event schedule, preparations were in full swing as vendors arrived at the venue by 10 a.m. for the reception, which was expected to begin at 2 p.m.
However, the plans were abruptly disrupted when it was announced that Akinyele had collapsed during his testimony at the church. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, he was declared dead shortly thereafter.
A vendor who was involved in the preparations shared their shock on Facebook, explaining that the food, decorations, and a live band were all set up in anticipation of the event.
However, after hearing the news of Akinyele’s sudden passing, the reception was canceled, and guests began to leave the venue in disbelief.
The vendor expressed sorrow, commenting, “Is this how people die?” and added that they couldn’t bring themselves to ask for payment for their services, given the tragic turn of events.
