Hotelier collapses, dies during wife’s 60th birthday thanksgiving service in Lagos

A celebratory gathering turned somber on Saturday when Lagos hotelier, Otunba Kunle Akinyele, collapsed and died during a thanksgiving service held in honour of his wife’s 60th birthday.

The incident occurred at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Iyanu, Odemuyiwa District Headquarters, Egbeda, Lagos.

Akinyele, who appeared visibly distressed, was seen in a video gesturing as though seeking help—possibly requesting water or his inhaler—before slumping to the floor.

The news was first shared on Facebook by digital creator Ayoade Ojeniyi, who noted that efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful.

The thanksgiving was part of a larger celebration for Deaconess Catherine Adejoke Akinyele.

According to the event programme, a reception was scheduled to follow immediately at Noble Castle Events Centre in Igando.

One of the vendors hired for the event shared their experience in a Facebook post, stating they had arrived at the venue by 10 a.m. for the 2 p.m. party. Guests, including the celebrant, her husband, and their children, were expected to head to the reception following the church service. However, the shocking turn of events brought all plans to an abrupt halt.

“Variety of foods were set, decoration, cocktail, emu oguro, and many more,” the vendor wrote, adding that a live band with around 25 speakers had already set up. “This is how people die?” the vendor lamented. “I can’t possibly ask for my balance for the job,” they added.

The Master of Ceremony reportedly spoke with Akinyele around 1:23 p.m., only to be informed of his death less than an hour later. The event was ultimately cancelled as guests left the venue in shock.
As of the time of this report, no official cause of death had been released.