Oluwafemi Ayo-Owolawi, a 31-year-old graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), has passed away after a protracted battle with renal cancer. Despite a successful fundraising campaign that raised N9.4m for his treatment, Ayo-Owolawi succumbed to the disease.
The news of his passing was announced by Yinka Ogunnubi, a Lagos-based public analyst, on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday. Ogunnubi revealed that Ayo-Owolawi’s family had expressed their gratitude to all those who contributed to his cancer treatment, saying, “You all gave Femi a fighting chance.”
Ayo-Owolawi’s health nightmare began in March 2022, when he first noticed symptoms of blood, bleeding, and passing out. He spent several months at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, where he was diagnosed with renal cancer.
In an interview with Sunday PUNCH in June last year, Ayo-Owolawi revealed that the cancer had reached stage two, causing him significant health complications and financial strain. Despite his struggles, Ayo-Owolawi remained optimistic, saying, “I am confident that I will beat this cancer.”
A fundraising campaign was launched on GoFundMe to support Ayo-Owolawi’s cancer treatment. The campaign, organized by Ayomide Adebanjo, aimed to raise N12m for Ayo-Owolawi’s treatment. Although the campaign fell short of its target, raising only N9.5m, it helped to cover the costs of Ayo-Owolawi’s surgery and chemotherapy treatments.
Adebanjo revealed that N9.4m was spent on Ayo-Owolawi’s treatment, including surgery and 12 cycles of chemotherapy. Despite the efforts of his medical team and the support of his family and friends, Ayo-Owolawi’s health continued to decline.
Ogunnubi described Ayo-Owolawi as a “champion” who fought bravely against his illness. He said, “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.”
Ayo-Owolawi’s passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from friends, family, and well-wishers. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched during his time on earth.
