Oluwafemi Ayo-Owolawi, a 31-year-old graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has passed away months after Nigerians raised N9.4 million to support his battle with renal cancer.
His death was announced by Lagos-based public analyst Yinka Ogunnubi on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday.
Ogunnubi shared the news with deep sadness, writing, “It is with great sadness that we announce the unfortunate passing of Oluwafemi Ayomide Ayo-Owolawi.
Femi has gone to be with the Lord and will be buried today. His family expresses their profound thanks to everyone who contributed to his cancer treatment, giving him a fighting chance.”
He continued, “Femi fought hard, and even in death, he was smiling. We thank God for his life and the impact he had while with us. May God comfort his family, strengthen his mother, and grant Femi eternal peace. RIP, Champion!”
Ogunnubi had launched a social media campaign in 2024, along with Ayomide Adebanjo, to raise funds for Femi’s cancer treatment. “Six months ago, I appealed for help for Femi, who was battling colon cancer. It’s been a long journey, but we thank God for where we are now. Femi was improving, and we were confident he would overcome the cancer,” Ogunnubi wrote.
In the campaign, Adebanjo revealed that N12 million was needed for Femi’s treatment, but only N9.5 million was raised, with N9.4 million being spent on Femi’s surgery and chemotherapy. “After the initial surgery in May, we waited for the oncologist’s report to determine next steps. We consulted two oncologists, and they both recommended 12 cycles of chemotherapy,” Adebanjo explained. “Our target was N12 million, but we raised N9,511,824 and spent N9,405,829.72 on his treatment.”
Oluwafemi Ayo-Owolawi, a Lagos-based business analyst originally from Ile-Ife, Osun State, graduated from OAU in 2015 with a degree in Economics Education.
He was the youngest child of his parents, having lost his father 24 years ago, and his mother was his sole education sponsor.
