Family, friends pay tributes to ex-Leadway Assurance boss

Family members, friends and business associates on Friday celebrated the life of former Leadway Assurance executive, Olawale Oyedele, with tributes highlighting his generosity, business accomplishments and commitment to lifting others.

At his funeral service in Lagos, a pastor of the English Baptist Church, Kaduna, Rev. Dr Yakubu Ishaku, who presided over the ceremony, reminded mourners that death was precious in God’s sight, irrespective of the circumstances surrounding it.

Ishaku who urged the mourners to prepare for what lies beyond life, also encouraged the congregation to surrender fully to God, noting that judgement follows death.

The service was held at the New Dawn Baptist Church, Oniru, Victoria Island, under the auspices of the United English Baptist Church, Kaduna.

Oyedele died on Monday, July 27, 2026, after a brief illness. He was 70.

The service opened with a processional hymn, a call to worship and a responsive Bible reading, followed by thanksgiving and a hymn of faith.

In his sermon, Ishaku reminded the family, friends, business associates and clergy present that life’s end was not something to be treated lightly, and called on everyone to prepare for what lies beyond it.

A special prayer was offered for the family, asking God to comfort them while thanking Him for Oyedele’s life.

Reading the biography, a relative, Mrs Abiola Aliyu, said Oyedele was born in April 1956 in Wasinmi, Oyo State, to the late Pa Ezekiel Oyedele and Princess Oladele Fehintola Oyedele of the Oladunni Royal House of Alado, Ado-Awaye.

He attended schools in Wasinmi and Iseyin, obtaining the West African School Certificate, before proceeding to the Polytechnic, Ibadan, and the University of Lagos, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Actuarial Science.

Oyedele later became an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute of London and the Nigerian Institute of Management.

He began his career at Leadway Assurance Company Limited in Kaduna, spending 20 years there and rising to Executive Director.

The insurance expert later retired in July 2011 and subsequently became Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nikoy Nigeria Limited, a position he held until his death.

Aliyu said Oyedele was also involved in initiatives to explore renewable energy as an alternative to diesel and gas.

A joint research project by Lafarge Cement Plc and Nikoy Nigeria Limited on the use of palm kernels as an energy source significantly reduced energy consumption in the participating companies.

He also served on a Federal Government committee that facilitated the commencement of agricultural produce trading at the Abuja Commodity Exchange.

Chairman Emeritus of PUNCH Nigeria Limited, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola, described the deceased as a very amiable man who was knowledgeable about business and current affairs and maintained friendships with many influential people.

One of the deceased’s friends, Seun Ogunfowokan, said Oyedele was generous with his time, resources and affection.

“He was generous with his time, resources and heart. He gave freely, never counting the cost or seeking recognition,” he said.

A former deputy governor of Oyo State, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, said Oyedele gave to others not because he had much but because he believed in lifting people, adding that his legacy was one of love, service and unwavering support for others.

Pastor Soji Adetoro, who travelled from the United States, described Oyedele’s 70 years as a life filled with purpose, service, generosity, enterprise and impact.

Oyedele is survived by his wife, Adenike Oyedele (nee Oduga), of Ode Remo, Ogun State; three daughters; and grandchildren.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Oyedele’s daughter, Mojisola, who expressed the family’s appreciation to guests for their support and solidarity.

The service ended with the closing hymn, “Abide in Him.” A reception followed at Monarch Events Center, Lekki, where guests were treated to food and drinks, with musical entertainment.