The Nigerian tax profession bid farewell to one of its founding fathers as David Ajibola Olorunleke, the pioneer President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), was laid to rest on Friday, November 28, 2025.
Final Farewell to a Taxation Icon
The funeral service held at All Souls' Church, Anglican Communion in Lekki, Lagos saw emotional tributes from family, colleagues, and professional associates. The service highlighted Olorunleke's remarkable journey as a chartered accountant who specialized in taxation both in the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
In his sermon, The Venerable John Agboro, Vicar and Archdeacon of Lekki, drew parallels between the biblical parable of talents and Olorunleke's life. He emphasized how the late tax expert maximized his God-given abilities, describing him as a very honest man both in character and otherwise.
Professional Legacy and Impact
Innocent Ohagwa, the current President and Chairman of Council at CITN, expressed that the loss extended beyond personal boundaries. Olorunleke served as CITN President from 1985 to 1995, making him the longest-serving president in the institute's history.
Ohagwa described him as the visionary architect whose foresight and dedicated leadership laid the enduring foundation upon which the CITN stands today. His commitment to excellence in taxation practice and belief in professionalism helped shape fiscal governance and tax administration across Nigeria.
Remembering a Mentor and Father Figure
Dr. James Naiyeju, Chairman of the Body of Past Presidents at CITN, characterized Olorunleke's passing as the departure of a rare gem. He noted that the late pioneer was a custodian of values who embodied discipline, clarity of purpose, and a lifelong dedication to professional excellence.
Former State Coordinator of the Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT), Cecilia Odibo, remembered Olorunleke as someone who lived a fulfilled life. She attributed much of Nigeria's taxation development to his work, describing him as an astute professional who generously imparted knowledge to generations.
Olorunleke, who passed away on October 24, 2025, held several distinguished positions including:
- Former Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
- Former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance
- Former Board member of FIRS
Affectionately known as the Doyen of Taxation, his legacy continues through the thousands of tax professionals he mentored and the institutional frameworks he helped establish.
