At Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Iyanu, Odemuyiwa District Headquarters in Egbeda, Lagos, Otunba Kunle Akinyele, a retired Deputy Comptroller of Customs and renowned hotelier, tragically passed away after collapsing during a thanksgiving service for his wife, Deaconess Catherine Adejoke Akinyele.

Ayoade Ojeniyi, a digital creator who shared details on Facebook, mentioned that Akinyele appeared distressed and seemed to signal for help, possibly asking for water or his inhaler, just before collapsing. A video captured him looking unwell and gesturing shortly before he fell.

Despite attempts to revive him, he was confirmed dead shortly afterward.

A reception had been planned by the family at Noble Castle Events Centre in Igando, with guests and vendors already on site, only for the celebration to be canceled after the news of the hotelier’s death broke.

A close friend of the deceased expressed his sorrow on Facebook. The grieving friend posted a photo of Otunba Akinyele from his time as Deputy Comptroller of Customs.

The cause of death had not been confirmed at the time of reporting, more updates to follow.