Social Media Warning Resurfaces After Tragic Motorbike Death of Kola Onifoto in Lagos
The Nigerian creative community and social media users are mourning the tragic loss of former military officer and documentary photographer Orowale Kolapo, widely known as Kola Onifoto, who reportedly died during a solo motorbike ride in Lagos. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, March 1, has sparked widespread grief and reflection, particularly after a social media post resurfaced claiming a close friend had warned him against purchasing the motorbike involved in the fatal accident.
Conflicting Reports Surround the Circumstances of His Death
Details about the exact circumstances of Kola Onifoto's passing remain unclear, with conflicting reports emerging from various sources. Some friends and acquaintances have stated that he died immediately at the scene of the accident, while other media accounts suggest he was initially taken to the emergency unit of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) located at 7UP in Ojota. According to these reports, he was subsequently transferred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Idi-Araba, where he was later pronounced dead. The lack of official confirmation has left many questions unanswered, adding to the somber atmosphere surrounding his untimely demise.
Social Media User Reveals Alleged Warning Before the Accident
Amid the outpouring of tributes and condolences, a social media user identified as @bukky_starrr shared a poignant post that has garnered significant attention. In her message, she claimed that a close colleague of Kola Onifoto had previously advised him against buying the specific motorbike that was involved in the accident. According to @bukky_starrr, this warning led to a misunderstanding between Kola and his friend, resulting in him ceasing communication with the individual afterward.
The user wrote on her platform: "Kola Onifoto, I don’t know him on a personal level, but I do admire him from afar. I know a colleague that is very close to him and that was how I knew Kola because of how she sings his praises all the time. According to her, Kola stopped talking to her because she asked him not to get this said bike. Sadly he didn’t listen to her. Now the bike sent him to early grave... I’ve never met him, yet I couldn’t explain how sad I was when I saw his pictures flying around yesterday."
She expressed profound sadness over his passing and extended heartfelt condolences to his family, emphasizing the tragic nature of the situation despite not having a personal relationship with him.
Kola Onifoto's Passion for Photography and Motorcycling
Kola Onifoto was widely recognized and admired for his documentary photography and storytelling projects, which resonated deeply within creative circles across Nigeria. His work often highlighted human interest stories and cultural narratives, earning him a dedicated following. Recently, he had embraced motorcycling as a lifelong dream, fulfilling a personal passion that brought him joy and adventure.
However, this passion also came with risks, as evidenced by a two-minute video he shared on Facebook just six days before his death. In the clip, the 36-year-old filmed himself riding at high speed on his motorbike, daringly maneuvering between two long trailers on a highway. Following his passing, netizens revisited this viral video, mourning his loss and lamenting his daring and risk-loving nature, which ultimately contributed to the tragic outcome.
Heartfelt Exchange with His Mother Resurfaces
In the days leading up to the accident, Kola Onifoto had shared a WhatsApp chat with his mother on his new Facebook account, dated February 24. In the exchange, his mother expressed concern for his well-being, warning him to be careful and to remember whose son he is. Kola replied in Yoruba, acknowledging her advice and assuring her that he had heard her. This poignant conversation has since resurfaced online, with many Nigerians reflecting on the emotional weight of a mother's warning and the fragility of life.
The tragic death of Kola Onifoto serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with high-risk activities and the importance of heeding advice from loved ones. As the creative community continues to grieve, his legacy as a talented photographer and storyteller will undoubtedly endure, while the circumstances of his passing prompt broader conversations about safety and personal responsibility.
