Lagos has bid a fond farewell to one of its foremost pioneers, Surv. Olukunle Akinola, the state’s first Surveyor-General, whose vision and dedication helped chart the course of Africa’s most dynamic megacity. He passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025, at the age of 94.
Appointed as Lagos’ first Surveyor-General, Akinola was more than a mapmaker — he was a visionary who transformed the swamps and chaos of early Lagos into an organized urban framework. With precision instruments and an unshakable sense of purpose, he established the coordinates that laid the foundation for Lagos’ growth, resilience, and global prominence. His work was not merely technical; it was transformative — a blueprint for the city’s unstoppable rise.
From his days of charting uncharted terrains to overseeing the structural evolution of Lagos, Akinola embodied integrity, humility, and excellence in public service. His tenure as Surveyor-General continued until 1987, leaving a legacy etched in every street, skyline, and structure of modern Lagos.
A week-long series of funeral rites celebrated his impactful life, beginning with a Service of Songs by the Christian Unity Band of Nigeria on Monday, October 27, at his Omole Phase 1 residence. This was followed by a joint service organized by the Office of the Surveyor-General of Lagos State and the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors on Tuesday, October 28.
On Wednesday, October 29, another Service of Songs was hosted by the Bola Memorial Anglican Church, Ikeja, featuring tributes from colleagues, protégés, and friends. A Commendation Service was held the next day at the same church, followed by a Wake Keep and Night of Tributes at 3 Olukunle close, behind Post Office, Ipaja, where his professional and spiritual journeys were celebrated.
The final Burial Service took place on Friday, October 31, at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Ipaja, after which guests gathered at the City of God Event Centre for a reception in his honour.
Chief Akinola is survived by his devoted wife, Mrs. Grace Folake Akinola, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday with him by her side, as well as children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who continue to embody his values of faith, discipline, and service.
Among his children are Mayegun Kehinde Akinola, Chairman, Board of Governing Council, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, and Prof. Oluwarotimi Akinola, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at LASUCOM/LASUTH and former National President of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON).
He is also survived by grandchildren and great-grandchildren who continue to embody his values of faith, discipline, and service.
Chief Akinola’s unwavering dedication to the development of Lagos and his pioneering contributions to Nigeria’s surveying profession will continue to inspire generations of professionals.
His work endures in every street, skyline, and structure that defines Lagos today — a city still spinning, still growing, still unstoppable, guided by the coordinates he first drew.
