Ondo Mourns Tolufe: A Painful Loss and a Call to Hold On to Hope in God

Ondo City is mourning Akinbolusere Kayode, the businessman popularly known as Tolufe and the owner of Esther Estate. According to SaharaReporters and 9News Nigeria, he died on Thursday, 29 October 2026, in what has been reported as a suspected suicide. The police have not yet commented, and the full circumstances remain unclear.

Before his death, he recorded a video while driving in Ondo town. In it, he spoke about a hard morning at work, when three machines at his factory broke down one after another. He looked back on how he started out as a barber and built his business with his own hands, with no inheritance and no one to lean on.

He said he had written a will freely, without pressure from anyone, and that everything he owned would go to his wife, Adenike Esther, and their three children, who live in Canada. Again and again he praised his wife as a blessing from God who stood by him through every struggle, and he blamed no one but himself for his troubles.

It is a painful story, and our prayers go to his wife, his children and everyone who loved him. May God comfort them.

It also reminds us how heavy life's burdens can become, and how quietly a person can carry them. Business losses, debts and disappointments are real, but they are never the end of a life's worth. Scripture tells us, "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved" (Psalm 55:22). And Jesus says, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

As Celestials, we are called to hold on to hope and faith in God, even when machines fail, money runs out and the road looks dark. What we have lost can be rebuilt, and God is still able to restore. No matter how hard it gets, do not carry it alone. Speak to your shepherd, your family, a trusted friend or a doctor. And let us check on one another, especially the strong ones who always seem fine.

If you are going through something heavy right now, please reach out to someone today. There is still hope in God.

How can we, as a church family, do more to support members going through hard times in business and life? Share your thoughts below.

Sources: SaharaReporters (30 October 2026), 9News Nigeria (30 October 2026), Legit.ng. Scripture: KJV.
Photo: SaharaReporters (map of Ondo State)