‘Decoration, live band, food, drinks were already in place’, vendors recount how party turned chaotic after Otunba Akinyele d!ed in church
Vendors hired to play key roles at the 60th birthday reception of Deaconess Catherine Akinyele in Egbeda, Lagos, have shared their shock and grief at hearing the news of the sudden demise of the celebrant’s husband during church thanksgiving.
The church service was meant to precede a grand reception slated for the Noble Castle Events Centre in Igando, Lagos.
However, the reception never took place after Otunba Kunle Akinyele, a retired Deputy Comptroller of Customs, slumped during thanksgiving service of his wife’s 60th birthday at the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Iyanu, Odemuyiwa District Headquarters in Egbeda, Lagos.
Viral video of the incident shows Otunba Akinyele dancing heartily with his wife beside him on the altar before he grabs the hand of his wife to whisper something into her ear. He gesticulated to suggest he wanted water.
As she is retreating to carry out his instructions, he suddenly shows signs of discomfort, puts two hands on the podium to steady himself, and then falls backwards.
He is caught by family and friends behind him on the altar.
It was later gathered that he was rushed to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
Vendors hired for the reception that was to start at 2 pm had already set up at the venue.
One of the vendors shared that they had arrived as early as 10 a.m. for the reception, hoping for a great outing.
“We had food, decorations, cocktails, palm wine, and more ready. The live band was in position with over 25 speakers,” the vendor recounted. “The MC even spoke with him at 1:23 p.m. By 2 p.m., we heard he was gone.”
Commotion took over the venue of the party as the vendors tried to ascertain from one another if what they heard was true or it was a prank.
Rasheed Olaniyi, a close friend of the deceased, expressed his grief on Facebook, posting a photo of Akinyele in his Customs uniform.
“It was a black Saturday for me as my dear friend, Deputy Comptroller Otunba Kunle Akinyele (Rtd), slumped and died in church during his wife’s 60th birthday thanksgiving. I’ve lost an irreplaceable friend. My tears won’t stop flowing. Your sudden death shook me deeply. May your soul rest in peace.”
Akinyele was the chairman of Westgate Hotel, Isheri, Idimu.
The news of Otunba Akinyele’s death generated massive reactions online.
One user, Taylor Sam, commented:
“He looked stressed. Probably too much pressure. Men, please slow down—life isn’t a race.”
Sayo Akintola added,
“He died while praising God. May his soul rest in peace.”
Atteh Isaac Taiwo also weighed in:
“This is becoming too common. Men must take their health seriously.”
The exact cause of death remains unconfirmed and funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by the family.
