A final-year Economics student of Bowen University, Olalekan Demilade, has died after battling leukemia and chronic kidney disease.
He passed away on November 3, 2025, at the age of 22.
The @bowenuniversity news page, which had led the appeal for funds towards his treatment, announced his passing on Monday, sparking widespread grief across the campus and beyond.
Demilade, fondly remembered by his peers as a cheerful Arsenal fan, was known for his positive spirit and the short videos he often shared with friends.
His last post on X has drawn a deluge of condolences and eulogies. He wrote, “To be able to drink water and eat food at will is really a blessing.”
In a post mourning his death, @bowenuniversity wrote: “Don’t question God. But sometimes, all we have are questions. People prayed, people donated, people held on to the hope that Demilade was responding to treatment. It makes no sense at all. But, in this grief, Demilade will be fondly remembered for the lives he touched and impacted, his exploits in sports, his calm and gentlemanly nature, the love he shared wherever he went, his contagious passion for Arsenal, and most importantly, that he was a child of God. May the Holy Spirit comfort his family, loved ones, and friends. Demilade, you will never be forgotten.”
Many of his classmates and friends also paid tribute online. User @dw_ayO wrote, “Almost everyone has a video with Demilade from days of 100 to 300 level, that just goes to tell you the kind of person he was. What a guy.”
Another user, @EnioluwaAdesina, said, “I don’t think I ever knew him personally but the fact that almost everyone has something great to say about him and a video with him proves that he was an amazing young man. Rest on, Demilade.”
However, the mourning was mixed with frustration as some users criticized influencers for ignoring fundraising appeals while he was alive.
User @perfect_lifeeee wrote, “We tagged you multiple times when we needed awareness and help with donations. I also reached out to you privately and pleaded but you ignored completely. Peaceful rest? Keep your stupid greetings to yourself. If you couldn’t post while he was alive, then maintain the same energy.”
Many have opted to keep his memory in graceful manner and work to help others who may need similar aid in the future.
