A 31-year-old graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Oluwafemi Ayo-Owolawi, has passed away months after Nigerians contributed ₦9.4 million to support his fight against renal cancer.
His death was announced on Saturday by Lagos-based public analyst Yinka Ogunnubi via X (formerly Twitter).
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of Oluwafemi Ayomide Ayo-Owolawi’s passing. Femi has gone to be with the Lord and will be laid to rest today.
“His family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to his cancer treatment. Your generosity gave Femi a fighting chance,” Ogunnubi wrote.
He continued, “Femi fought bravely. Even in death, he was smiling. We thank God for his life and the impact he made while he was here. May God comfort his family, strengthen his mother, and grant Femi’s soul eternal rest. Rest in peace, champion!”
Ogunnubi recalled that in 2024, he initiated a social media campaign alongside a GoFundMe fundraiser organized by Ayomide Adebanjo to raise funds for Femi’s treatment.
“Six months ago, I launched an appeal for Femi, who was battling colon cancer. It has been a long journey, but we are grateful for the progress made. Femi has improved significantly, and we remain hopeful that he will overcome this illness,” he stated.
Adebanjo revealed in the post that Femi’s treatment required ₦12 million, but the campaign managed to raise ₦9.5 million. Of that amount, ₦9.4 million was spent on his surgery and chemotherapy.
Following an initial surgery in May, oncologists assessed his condition to determine the next steps. After consultations with two specialists, both recommended that he undergo 12 cycles of chemotherapy as the first stage of treatment.
“Our initial goal was ₦12 million, but we raised a total of ₦9,511,824 and spent ₦9,405,829.72,” Adebanjo explained.
According to Drivetvnews, Oluwafemi was a Lagos-based business analyst originally from Ile-Ife, Osun State.
He graduated from OAU in 2015 with a degree in Economics Education. The youngest child in his family, he lost his father 24 years ago, leaving his mother as his sole sponsor throughout his education.
In a June 2023 interview with Drivetvnews while receiving treatment, Oluwafemi recounted how his health struggles began in March 2022 when he first noticed symptoms such as bleeding.
He spent several months at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed he had renal cancer.
By the time of the interview, his condition had advanced to stage two, bringing severe complications and imposing a heavy financial burden on him.
