Remember the case of the Ibadan-based young graduate of Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta, Okiki Olaleye, whom cancer afflicted and bodily disfigured with a large tumour around his upper neck region within only eight months?
All is now over as the young man finally lost the battle for survival from the deadly ailment, cancer, which plagued him when he noticed two tiny growths on the neck.
Until April 2024, there was no single scratch on his body as his handsome frame shows in the photographs attached to the story.
Life soon became problematic for parents of Okiki Pastor and Mrs Samson Olaleye who were compelled to solicit financial assistance from compassionate Nigerians after spending over N6million on the ailment.
After undergoing several laboratory tests and surgery at the University College Hospital(UCH), Ibadan, the tiny dots were first diagnosed as Cancer Neurofibrosarcoma said to be a rare malignant affecting the peripheral nerves.
Things got so bad to the extent that the family started selling landed property and other valuables in order to be able to raise around N40m to fly Okiki to Advanced Oncology Centres in India.
However, yesterday February 19, 2025, Okiki breathed his last in unbearable pains at their Ibadan family home.
Okiki Olaleye had studied French/Sociology at the Federal College of Education, Osiele and was at the verge of securing an appointment when the sickness started.
A message from the Olaleye family circulated to friends and well-wishers announced his death and conveyed deep gratitude to all and sundry for their support during their ordeal.
The statement read: “With hearts full of gratitude, we say a big thank you to our family, friends, and loved ones for your unwavering moral, financial, spiritual, and material support towards Okiki’s treatment.
“Since April 2024, it has been an intense battle, and we did all we could to save him. After exhausting our personal resources, we finally summoned the courage to launch a crowd-funding campaign a few weeks ago. You all tried and contributed immensely, hoping for his recovery—this, we do not take for granted.
“However, in His divine wisdom, God giveth, and God taketh. With deep sorrow, we announce that Okiki Emmanuel Olaleye is gone.
“We thank God for a life well spent. He fought, he persevered, and now, he is at peace with his Maker.
“Your generosity and thoughtfulness are greatly appreciated during this difficult time.”
