Otunba Kunle Akinyele, a well-known hotelier from Lagos, tragically passed away on Saturday after collapsing during a church thanksgiving service in honour of his wife’s 60th birthday.
EpeInsights learnt that the heartbreaking incident took place at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Iyanu, Odemuyiwa District Headquarters in Egbeda, Lagos State. It left family, friends, and well-wishers in utter shock and disbelief.
A viral video, shared by Ayoade Ojeniyi on Sunday, captured the moment just before the tragic event.
In the footage, Akinyele is seen appearing distressed and making frantic gestures, seemingly requesting water or an inhaler, moments before he collapsed while delivering his testimony.
The thanksgiving service was organized to celebrate the 60th birthday of his wife, Deaconess Catherine Adejoke Akinyele.
A grand reception was planned to follow at the Noble Castle Events Centre in Igando.
However, the joyous occasion quickly turned to sorrow when news spread that Akinyele had collapsed in the church. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, he was declared dead shortly thereafter.
One vendor who had prepared for the reception shared their experience on Facebook. They revealed that they had arrived at the venue by 10 am, expecting a 2 pm start for the celebration.
The vendor described the scene: “The celebrant, her husband, their children, and guests had all gone to church for the thanksgiving, intending to proceed to the reception afterward. The food was ready, decorations were set, cocktails were prepared, and a live band had already set up about 25 speakers. This is how people die? I can’t even think of asking for my balance for the job.”
The sudden death of the hotelier has left many in the community mourning the loss of a prominent figure, as plans for a joyous celebration were cut short by this unforeseen tragedy.
