On March 4, 2025, Adetunji ‘Teejay’ Opayele, the Chief Technical Officer of Bumpa, was struck by a reckless driver while returning from the gym in Victoria Island, Lagos. He succumbed to his injuries the next day due to delayed medical attention, a heartbreaking end for a 32-year-old innovator who was transforming Nigeria’s e-commerce landscape.
The tech community and the general public were outraged after details of the accident and systemic failures surfaced in a viral petition, “Get Teejay Justice.” It highlights the negligence of the driver, Biola Adams-Odutayo, the refusal of hospitals to treat Opayele, and the leniency of the legal charges against the perpetrator. Over 68,000 people have signed the petition, demanding justice.
Beyond his technical brilliance, Opayele was known for his generosity, adventurous spirit, and deep passion for innovation. His journey, from fixing mobile phones as a child to co-founding Bumpa, a platform that now empowers over 60,000 small businesses, showcases his unwavering dedication to technology and entrepreneurship.
His tragic passing has sparked widespread grief and calls for systemic change in Nigeria’s healthcare and justice systems. Friends, family, and colleagues remember him as a visionary, a mentor, and a compassionate friend whose impact will not be forgotten.
Read the full article here: TechCabal – The Life and Times of Teejay