Family, friends celebrate corporate leader Oyedele’s legacy

Family members, friends and associates gathered in Lagos on Thursday to celebrate the life of Mr Olawale Oyedele, a corporate leader remembered for his generosity, kindness, humility and commitment to helping others.

The Christian wake, organised by the United English Baptist Church, Kaduna, was held at Grandeur Event Centre, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, in honour of Oyedele, who died on July 27, 2026.

Oyedele, remembered as a loving brother, grandfather and friend, was praised by speakers at the service of songs for the positive impact he made on the lives of people around him.

Opening the service, Deacon Kunle Akinwunmi thanked God for the deceased’s life, saying, “We all know that God does good at all times. He was the one who gave us Mr Oyedele and took him at the appointed time.”

He acknowledged the deceased’s wife, Mrs Adenike Oyedele, and their children, praying that God would continue to comfort the family.

Rev Dr Olatunde Festus led the worship, describing the occasion as an opportunity to celebrate the life of a good man.

He noted that, in God’s sight, a thousand years were like a day.

In his opening prayer, Rev Dr Olaide Hassan said life was a journey that did not last forever, adding that the occasion nevertheless provided an opportunity to give thanks to God.

The first Bible reading, 1 Corinthians 15:50-58, which dwells on Christ’s triumph over death, was delivered by the deceased’s nephew, Mr Oyewale Oyedele. Mr Yahaya Aliu read the second lesson, Romans 8:38-39, on God’s promises and the enduring love of Christ.

The readings were followed by a band-led rendition of the hymn, “It Is Well With My Soul.”

Tributes from friends and associates highlighted Oyedele’s generosity, humility and concern for the less privileged.

Mr Tunji Olaebe, a member of the church in Kaduna, spoke about the deceased’s generosity and kindness, while Ese Adetunji described him as a quiet giver who supported charitable causes without seeking recognition. “We are going to miss him,” she said.

Mrs Rolake Adedara also paid tribute to Oyedele’s love for people, particularly the less privileged. Ayodeji Macaulay, who came from Abeokuta, Ogun State, described him as a kind, generous and empathetic person.

Mr Seun Ogunfowokan, who travelled from the United States for the service, described Oyedele as his bosom friend and recalled their days at the University of Lagos.

He said that after relocating to the US, he and his friends continued their charitable activities, travelling to different parts of the country to support homeless people.

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Ogunfowokan recalled that Oyedele had called him as many as 65 times before his death, insisting that he must return to Nigeria.

“I came not knowing that he was leaving us behind,” he said.

He added that the outpouring of love at the service reflected the number of lives the deceased had touched.

The Group Chairman of Leadway Assurance Plc, Mr Oye Odukale, also praised Oyedele’s generosity, kindness and humility, saying he had laid a solid foundation through his relationships and contributions to society.

Odukale said he felt compelled to attend the service because he believed Oyedele would have done the same for him.

“I knew I had to be here because if it was me, he would do the same,” he said.

He added that he believed Oyedele might have had a premonition of his death, citing the frequency of his calls to Ogunfowokan in the United States before his passing.

Delivering the sermon, Rev. Y.J.D. Ishaku drew lessons from the Book of Ecclesiastes on the transient nature of life, stressing the importance of living well and leaving a lasting legacy.

“We all miss him because of the kind of life he lived and the lives he touched,” he said.

The deceased’s daughter, Mojisola Oyedele, delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of her mother, Mrs Adenike Oyedele, and the family.

Oyedele was the Chief Executive Officer of Nikoy Nigeria Ltd from 2011 and a non-executive director of Industrial and Medical Gases Nigeria Plc, formerly known as BOC Gases Nigeria Plc.

He also held various positions across Nigeria’s corporate and financial sectors and wrote reflective essays on public figures, including former President Muhammadu Buhari.