Nigerians on social media are calling for justice for Adetunji Opayele, co-founder and chief technology officer (CTO) of Nigerian retail automation startup Bumpa, following his death in a car accident.
The hashtag “Sign the petition” has been trending on X as users rally behind an online petition demanding accountability.
The change.org petition, initiated by ‘Teejay Legacy,’ has gathered over 7,000 signatures directed at the Lagos State Government.
According to Techpoint Africa, Opayele, fondly called Teejay, died on March 5, 2025, after being involved in an accident allegedly caused by one Biola Adams-Odutayo.
The petition claims that Opayele was returning from the gym on March 4, 2025, around 10:20 p.m. when the incident occurred along Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Riding his power bike with the right of way, he was allegedly hit by Adams-Odutayo, who was merging onto the expressway without checking for approaching traffic.
“He had the right of way when Miss Biola Adams-Odutayo, driving a vehicle with licence number LND 418 JR, merged onto the expressway without considering approaching traffic, thereby crashing into him,” the petition reads in part.
Adams-Odutayo was reportedly returning from dinner at a restaurant nearby and had instructed her driver to follow her friend’s car while she drove herself. Despite Opayele wearing full safety gear, he was knocked down and left unconscious on the road.
According to reports, eyewitnesses at the scene claim Adams-Odutayo refused to leave her car or assist the victim. When approached, her friend allegedly responded, “She doesn’t want blood to stain her car.”
The petition further states, “As Teejay lay unconscious but still breathing, Biola, a healthcare professional and Head of Health at a reputable insurance brokering firm, chose to stay on a phone call for over 30 minutes instead of helping save a life.”
Eyewitnesses eventually got Opayele to a hospital, but he was pronounced dead in the early hours of March 5. Meanwhile, Adams-Odutayo allegedly walked into the same hospital, requested a drip, claimed to be in shock and then attempted to leave.
She reportedly spent only one night in detention before meeting her N1 million bail condition and has since continued her normal activities.
The petitioners are demanding that Adams-Odutayo face manslaughter charges instead of the lesser charge of reckless driving. They are also calling on government officials, including the Governor of Osun State, to intervene.
Bumpa co-founder Kelvin Umechukwu aligned with the petitioners’ demands, stating, “Though his presence will be missed, we commit to keeping Teejay’s legacy alive.”
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