A 31-year-old graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Odun State, Oluwafemi Ayo-Owolawi, has passed away months after Nigerians rallied together to raise N9.4 million for his treatment.
His death was announced on Saturday by Lagos-based public analyst Yinka Ogunnubi via X.
“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 wishes to express their profound thanks and gratitude to all those who contributed towards his cancer treatment. You all gave Femi a fighting chance,” Ogunnubi shared.
Reflecting on Femi’s struggle, Ogunnubi added, “Femi fought, he did. Even in death, he was smiling. We thank God for his life and the impact he made while he was still with us. May God console his family, may God strengthen his mum, and may Femi’s soul find eternal rest. RIP Champion!”
Femi’s fight against cancer gained public attention in 2024 when Ogunnubi initiated a social media campaign, alongside a GoFundMe drive organized by Ayomide Adebanjo, to raise funds for his treatment.
“Six months ago, I launched an appeal for Femi who is battling colon cancer. It has been a very long ride but we thank God for where we are now. Femi is doing so much better and we are confident he will beat this cancer,” Ogunnubi had written at the time.
Adebanjo revealed that while N12 million was required for Femi’s treatment, only N9.5 million was raised through donations. Of this amount, N9.4 million was used for his surgery and chemotherapy sessions.
“After the initial surgery in May, we waited for the oncologist’s report to determine the next steps. We consulted with two different oncologists and the conclusions were more or less the same; that he must undergo 12 cycles of chemo at the first instance.
“We had an initial target of N12m but all in all, we raised in total N9,511,824 and have spent a total of N9,405,829.72,” Adebanjo detailed.
Until his passing, Femi was a business analyst based in Lagos. He hailed from Ile-Ife in Osun State and was the last child of his parents.
He lost his father 24 years ago, leaving his mother as his sole provider throughout his education.
A graduate of Economics Education from OAU, Femi’s health challenges began in March 2022 when he first noticed symptoms, including blood loss and severe bleeding.
Following months of tests and medical consultations at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, he was diagnosed with renal cancer, which had advanced to stage two by the time of his interview with The PUNCH in June 2024.
The illness took a significant toll on him physically, emotionally, and financially.
Despite his brave fight and the overwhelming support from well-wishers, Femi’s journey ended, leaving behind memories of resilience and the love of those who stood by him.
