Tragedy struck on Saturday during what was meant to be a celebratory occasion, as Lagos hotelier Otunba Kunle Akinyele suddenly collapsed and died during his wife’s 60th birthday thanksgiving service.
The event, held in honor of Deaconess Catherine Adejoke Akinyele, took place at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Iyanu, Odemuyiwa District Headquarters, in the Egbeda area of Lagos State.
In an online video, the deceased was seen gesturing for help, possibly asking for water or an inhaler, before collapsing.
He appeared visibly distressed and was gesturing just moments before he fell.
According to the invitation for the celebration, guests were expected to proceed to a reception at the Noble Castle Events Centre in Igando after the church service.
Vendors and event planners had arrived early in preparation for the party, which was scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.
However, the day took a tragic turn when news spread that Akinyele had collapsed while giving his testimony at the church. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
As of the time of this report, the cause of Akinyele’s death had not yet been confirmed by authorities.