A celebration turned into mourning on Saturday as popular Lagos hotelier, Otunba Kunle Akinyele, suddenly slumped and died during a thanksgiving service held to mark his wife’s 60th birthday.
The tragic incident occurred at the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Iyanu, Odemuyiwa District Headquarters, located in the Egbeda area of Lagos State. The thanksgiving service was in honour of Deaconess Catherine Adejoke Akinyele.
According to eyewitnesses and a video circulating online, Akinyele appeared distressed moments before he collapsed. He was seen gesturing for assistance, possibly asking for water or an inhaler, just before slumping.
The incident reportedly happened while the deceased was delivering a testimony as part of the church proceedings. Despite immediate efforts to revive him, Akinyele could not be resuscitated.
The day had begun in high spirits, with vendors and event planners arriving as early as 10 a.m. to prepare for the grand reception scheduled for 2 p.m. at Noble Castle Events Centre in Igando. However, the mood quickly shifted to sorrow as news of Akinyele’s death spread among guests and family members.
As of the time of filing this report, the cause of death has not been officially confirmed by medical authorities.
