Gone Too Soon: Tributes Pour in as Popular Photographer Kola Onifoto Dies in Lagos Motorcycle Crash

 

​The Nigerian creative and biking communities are in a state of deep mourning following the tragic passing of Orowole Kolapoz, popularly known as Kola Onifoto. The renowned photographer and adventurous biker reportedly lost his life following a lone motorcycle accident in Lagos. The news, which surfaced on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, has sparked a massive wave of emotional tributes across social media, as friends and colleagues struggle to come to terms with the sudden exit of a man many described as "vibrant, passionate, and full of life."

​Kola Onifoto was not just a photographer; he was a storyteller who captured the essence of the Nigerian spirit through his lens. His transition into the world of biking earlier this year was a testament to his adventurous soul, making his untimely demise even more heart-wrenching for those who followed his journey.

​The Tragic Incident: A Solo Trip Cut Short

​According to reports from eyewitnesses and close associates, the fatal accident occurred on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Kola had embarked on what he described as his "first solo motorcycle journey" outside the boundaries of Lagos, with his destination set for Akure, Ondo State.

​Hours before the crash, a spirited Kola had taken to his Facebook page to celebrate the biking community, particularly those who have traversed the length and breadth of the country on two wheels.

​"Big shout out to those who have ridden their bikes to every state in this country, to Africa, and across the world, especially women. My eye see wheeen," he had written, unknowingly penning one of his final public messages.

​Timeline of the Accident and Medical Battle:

• ​Sunday Afternoon: The lone crash occurred along a Lagos route. Kola was initially rushed to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) emergency unit at 7UP, Ojota.
• ​Sunday Night: Due to the severity of his injuries, he was transferred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Idi-Araba.
• ​The Struggle for Life: Throughout Sunday night and Monday, friends and well-wishers held a digital vigil, offering prayers and seeking blood donations in a desperate bid to save his life.
• ​Monday Morning: Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, Kola succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Monday, March 2, 2026.

​Who Was Kola Onifoto? A Legacy of Art and Adventure

​Kola Onifoto (Orowole Kolapoz) was a 32-year-old multifaceted talent. He was a Navy personnel, a poet, a street photographer, and a brand influencer. His brand, Kola Onifoto, was synonymous with high-quality imagery that often highlighted the beauty in the mundane details of Nigerian street life.

​In January 2026, he celebrated a major personal milestone: fulfilling his dream of becoming a biker. He shared photos of his new motorcycle with pride, expressing his excitement about exploring the world from a different perspective. His "Adventures of Kola Onifoto" blog and social media series were well-loved for their raw, honest accounts of his travels to places like Katsina and various emir's palaces across the North.

​Tributes from the Biking and Creative Communities

​The news of his death has left a void that many feel will be impossible to fill. The Nigerian biking community, known for its tight-knit "brotherhood/sisterhood," has been particularly hit by the loss.

• ​Georgiana Onyinye (Facebook): "We prayed, we cried, and hoped to hear better news, but unfortunately, death had other plans. Kola fought so hard. You tried to stay alive, but death had other plans. You will be greatly remembered."
• ​Colleagues in Photography: Many fellow photographers have changed their profile pictures to black squares or portraits of Kola, citing him as an inspiration for his dedication to the craft.
• ​Followers: Many who never met him physically expressed how his "fight for people" and his storytelling drew them to his page daily.

​A Call for Safety and Reflection

​While the exact cause of the lone crash is still being investigated, the tragedy has reignited conversations around road safety for bikers in Nigeria. The Lagos Sector Command of the FRSC has been urged to provide more clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident to help prevent future occurrences.

​For the creative community, Kola’s death is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life. He lived with a sense of urgency, chasing his dreams of travel and art until the very end.

​Conclusion: The Final Frame

​Kola Onifoto leaves behind a body of work that serves as a permanent gallery of his vision. From the palaces of the North to the busy streets of Lagos, his lens saw it all. As the biking community prepares for a "final ride" in his honor, the consensus remains that while the photographer has put down his camera and the biker has parked his ride, his stories will continue to inspire a generation of adventurers.

​Rest in peace, Orowole Kolapoz. Your "eye see wheeen," and now you rest among the stars.