A cycling and fitness community, PitStop Lagos, on Sunday, held a memorial ride in honour of a member, Dr Olaolu Mudashiru, who was killed in a hit-and-run accident during a cycling exercise a year ago.
Olaolu, the first son of late Captain Gbolahan Mudashiru, former military governor of Lagos, was slain on Sunday, December 11, 2022, along Gerrard road, Ikoyi, while engaging in his daily cycling routine with two other cyclists.
Fondly called Dr Bob, the University of Lagos (UNILAG)-trained medical doctor co-founded Vetiva Capital Management, where he acted as the Deputy Managing Director before his demise.
The investment banker held an MSc. in International Securities, Investments and Banking from the ICMA Centre of The University of Reading, UK, an M.B; B.S. Degree from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria, and he was an alumnus of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
Members of the PitStop community, colleagues at the Vetiva Capital Management, as well as family members and friends, who gathered for the memorial ride in Bourdillon, where the unfortunate incident occurred, made endearing remarks about the deceased, and also called for a speedy conclusion into the investigation surrounding Dr Bob’s death.
The cyclists rode from Bourdillon to the deputy governor’s lodge, the French Embassy and ended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, where the deceased was said to have been plying regularly on his bike during his lifetime.
Addressing newsmen at the event, the General Manager, Pitstop Lagos, Opeyemi Adegboro said: “Today marks exactly one year Dr Bob was callously run over by a vehicle on Gerrard road. So, we are gathering to honour his memory.
“He took health and fitness seriously. He was a doctor who knew the importance of health and fitness, and as a community whose focus is on health and wellness, we know his value.
“We are still saddened by his loss. It’s more saddening that a year after his passing, the security agencies have not been able to conclude the investigation into the accident.
“We are gathered once again, to remember him, to remember his role and to also use this opportunity to call on security agencies to conclude the investigation into that accident and tell us their findings.”
Speaking on behalf of the family, the deceased’s sister, Bolatito Ajibode, who recalled fond memories of Olaolu said: “He lived his life to the fullest. He taught us to love and forgive. He taught us to be charitable. He taught us to stay healthy.
“I feel really sad that the driver has not been found. We took every step as a family. We wrote to all the authorities, but the truth of the matter is that what we needed to get the killer was unavailable. And it is rather unfortunate that in the entire Gerrard road, the CCTV did not work and even the one that was installed did not work.
“I think, going forward as we construct our roads in Lagos, we need to bear in mind that we have cyclists, and they have special lanes in advanced countries. As we reconstruct our roads, we need to build cycling lanes.”
The Executive Director, Vetiva Capital Management limited, Damilola Ajayi recalled that he worked closely with Dr Bob for 20 years; adding that a foundation will be launched soon in his memory.
According to Ajayi, “We cherish the warm memories that he left behind. We are committed to ensuring his legacies are preserved.
“Also, one of the things that we’re working on is a foundation in his honour, which is going to be launched soon. Also we will continue to pursue the interests and legacies of Dr Olaolu. We miss him so much.”
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