Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, the silent billionaire and owner of the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja Lagos, has lost his twin brother, Kehinde, just a few months after they celebrated their 60th birthdays.
Family sources informed The Boss that the tragic events unfolded this morning in Lagos, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a joyous occasion: the introduction ceremony of his niece, held at Dr. Afolabi’s residence in Ikoyi.
The passing of Mr. Kehinde Afolabi, reportedly in his sleep, shattered the family’s gathering. His last public appearance was during a Thanksgiving service hosted by the twin brothers to inaugurate the Samson Afolabi church in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, in celebration of their 60th birthday.
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The news spread swiftly, dampening the spirits of those present and casting a sombre hue over the once-intimate ceremony. Dr. Afolabi, Executive Vice Chairman of SIFAX Group, remained composed throughout, providing solace to others in their time of need, a testament to his unwavering demeanour.
Kehinde Afolabi, a notable figure in the business world with investments in the hospitality sector, served as Chairman and CEO of Ken Dallas Hotel & Suites, located in Lagos’s Idimu area. The hotel, boasting lodging facilities, a bar, and a club, stands as a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit.
Educated at Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School, Yernoja, Ondo, and Mushin College, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Kehinde ventured into the hospitality industry in 1990. His philanthropic endeavors were extensive, marked by numerous awards, his membership in Lions Club International, and his co-founding of the Ajoke Aishat Afolabi Foundation, dedicated to aiding the less privileged, particularly women and girls, with hundreds benefiting from the foundation’s scholarships.
A patron of the arts, Kehinde generously supported the careers of several Nigerian artists, including Naira Marley, Mega 99, and LAX.
He leaves behind his wife, Yemisi Afolabi, and three children: Ayomide, Adunola, and Toluwabori, as well as a legacy of generosity and community service.
