Chief Oludolapo Akinkugbe and his wife Janet spent nearly 70 years married before passing away 11 days apart at the age of 97. Janet died on September 11, 2025, while her husband died on September 22, 2025. The couple was buried together in Ondo, sparking tributes online for their long-lasting marriage and affection for each other.
The couple's unusual deaths have prompted an outpouring of emotions on social media, with many remembering their love and devotion to each other. A Twitter user, @_DeejustDee, who identified himself as their nephew, shared fond memories of the couple, describing their life as "really pleasant" and saying they "lived gracefully." Another user, @iyanunimi99, recalled the reaction in church when members visited the family after Janet's death.
The couple's granddaughter, Dolapo Akinkugbe, shared intimate memories of her grandparents, describing their marriage as an example of "long-lasting, unwavering love." She remembered her grandfather as a kind and intelligent man who always put his family first, while her grandmother was the "brightest light" in the family. Dolapo also shared a tender moment where her grandmother would read the newspaper to her grandfather every day as his eyesight began to fade.
Chief Oludolapo Akinkugbe was a prominent pharmacist and businessman in Nigeria, serving as a director or chairman of numerous companies and organizations. He founded Palm Chemists and co-founded Spectrum Books, earning the nickname "Chairman of Chairmen" for his extensive boardroom career. However, those who knew the family often spoke about Janet's role in his life, with BusinessDay reporting that Akinkugbe credited Janet's support for his achievements.
The couple's marriage had lasted through decades of enormous change in Nigeria, from the country's early post-independence years to the modern era. Born in Ondo in 1928, Chief Oludolapo Akinkugbe studied pharmacy at the School of Pharmacy in Yaba, Lagos, and began his career in the health sector. He later became involved in business, professional organizations, and public service.
After Janet's death on September 11, 2025, Chief Oludolapo Akinkugbe lived for only another 11 days before passing away peacefully in the early hours of September 22, 2025. The couple was eventually reunited in a joint burial ceremony in Ondo, with their coffins placed side by side as family, friends, and mourners gathered to say goodbye.
For those who knew them, the story is not simply about two 97-year-olds who happened to die less than two weeks apart, but about a couple who spent most of their adult lives together and continued caring for each other into old age. The couple's story has resonated with people, with many seeing the timing of their deaths as a striking final chapter to a long marriage.
Key points
- The couple's 70-year marriage was marked by love, devotion, and mutual support.
- Chief Oludolapo Akinkugbe was a prominent businessman and pharmacist in Nigeria.
- The couple's joint burial ceremony in Ondo was attended by family, friends, and mourners.
