How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by VBCampaign: 9:22am On Feb 04 |
How Pastor Sola Abraham was Killed by an Okada Rider in Ipaja, Lagos
By: Deji Yesufu
A typical working-class Nigerian home is quickly becoming something similar to what is obtained in the Western world. Gone are the days when the man does all the earnings and leaves his wife in the house to cater for the children. Today, if most of us will survive the harsh economic climate that Nigeria has bestowed on us all, both man and wife must work. It means also that traditional roles like babysitting children, cooking, and school runs, which hitherto were the main preserve of the woman of the house, are now equally shared by the man. It was while venturing on a similar role that Sola Abraham Oyelana met his death.
Sola had taken his three daughters: Tomisin (9), Tomiwa (8 ), and Tobilola (4) to school. He had dropped the two older ones at the primary school within the neighbourhood of Ipaja where he had lived since the 1990s. He had carried Tobi in his hand and was heading to her daycare, saddled with having to take her lunch bag and water. Anyone who knows Sola knows that he is a man who never shrinks from work – he served both family and church faithfully.
Sola was on the way to Tobi’s daycare when he was run over by a young man on a bike. The report that I got stated that at the very point of impact, Sola was more intent on shielding and protecting his daughter, so that the hands he ought to have used to guide himself as he hit the floor, he used to hold Tobi. He hit the street floor with his head and went into comma immediately. The bike man who ran into him, noticing that all the attention was on the motionless Sola, picked up his bike and fled. Sola had succeeded in shielding his daughter: Tobi had no scratch on her body. A good Samaritan found Sola’s phone and despite the lock on it, he discovered that Sola Abraham had wisely stored some emergency numbers on the phone. He called one of them which, thankfully was that of his wife.
She alerted the church Sola served and, in a few minutes, they were at the site of the accident. Tobi was retrieved, while Sola was conveyed to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where a five-hour surgery was performed on his head. After the surgery, Sola was monitored at the intensive care unit of the hospital. Sola never recovered. At the wake-keep, on the 31st of January, 2025, at Christ Bible Church, Ipaja, Pastor Osagie of Sovereign Grace Bible Church told mourners that from the moment of impact to the ground, after which Sola went into a comma, he never opened his eyes again. It is safe to say that he was immediately translated into the presence of his Saviour on that Thursday morning, a little after 8 am.
Olorunnisola Abraham Oyelana was born into the family of Mr Ojo and Mrs Grace Oyelana on the 28th of October, 1982. He was their firstborn child and the parents had every reason to rejoice over his birth. He was born in Bariga, Lagos. For his primary school education, Sola attended the Jelly Las International School in Agege, Lagos, from 1987 to 1991. Sola was a native of Ekiti State. In 1991, Sola began his secondary school education at St. Joseph High School, Mangoro, Lagos. He obtained his Secondary School certificate in 1997. Sola joined Government Technical College in Ikotun Lagos in 2001, where he specialized in furniture and building. He was there until 2003. In 2005, Sola commenced undergraduate studies at the Lagos State University (LASU) where he obtained a BSc. Degree in Economics. Sola has a certificate in Pastoral Studies and Theology, which he obtained from the Christ’s Pastors Seminary in Lagos (2013). He also obtained a diploma in Pastoral Studies and Theology from the London Reformed Baptist Seminary in 2018. Sola has three younger siblings (Adeloye Deborah, Ololade Elizabeth, and Segun Michael) and two step-siblings (Bukola and Oluwatosin). Sola married his beautiful wife, Adejumoke Hassan, on the 20th of June, 2015, and the Lord gave them three wonderful daughters.
Sola’s death raises some salient issues that must be considered to evade certain avoidable mishaps. The first that we must consider is the sociological question of what to do with the mass of unemployed and unskilled Nigerian youths that have taken to bike transport as a means of livelihood in South-West Nigeria. I understand that by law it is illegal to ride bikes on major roads in Lagos State. Unfortunately, like most other laws in this country, there is very little effort at enforcing them. There is also the question of who and who is licencing bike riders in the country. It appears that any Tom, Dick, and Harry can just pick up a bike, learn a few rudimentary lessons at riding, and then hit the streets. A 150CC engine bike, the type that many use for transport in Nigeria, weighs between 120 to 150kg. That is about double the weight of an average man. Combine that with the weight of the rider, and then consider the force of that impact on a stationary body, the resulting impulse that will occasion a force of impact will be deadly (in Physics, the impulse is the product of mass and velocity). Beyond prayers, the Lagos State government will do well to avoid another accident like this if they will only ensure that the laws, they have enacted in the states are kept, and that bike riders are dully certified. It is Sola today; no one knows who will suffer a mishap tomorrow.
There was one testimony that was recounted by most people at the wake-keep: Sola Abraham served the Lord Jesus Christ through the local church. Sola was a faithful member of Sovereign Grace Bible Church, which he joined in 2012. He had a strong desire to see a church planted in the Ipaja area of Lagos and worked earnestly to see that Christ Bible Church came to fruition there. He would be considered a founding member of that assembly. One cannot finish this report on Sola without thanking these two churches for all they did to ensure that Sola was kept alive. From the point the churches were alerted, all resources were deployed to ensure that our brother would come alive. But we are confident that it has pleased the Lord to take Sola home to be with him. One must also thank these two churches for their commitment to the wife and daughters. The Lord who is the husband to the widow, and Father of the fatherless, will ensure that the young family Sola left behind will not rue the passing of their father too much. We may call it untimely; but for our Lord, it is within his wonderful and gracious sovereign will. We bow to his good pleasure and worship because we are confident that his will shall be done both in this life and in the one to come. God’s purposes are always good for the saints.
Sola Abraham had very strong faith in what the Lord Jesus Christ would do in our lives. I confess that I often did not share his optimism; I believe that God has equipped believers with the resources to solve their problems. Sola understood this too but also understood that God often brings us to our limits and calls us to trust him. I suspect I would spend the rest of my life learning that kind of faith that Sola Abraham practised so well. Another testimony a lot of people gave concerning Sola was the heart of contentment he lived – this is something else we all can learn as we mourn the loss of our brother. As I was driven into Oshodi, Lagos, via public transport, for the wake-keep, I saw the pillar Sola and I stood by in 2016 as we waited for the church bus that was meant to convey conference attendees to that year’s conference that was holding in Lekki, Lagos. Sola and I had a very long discussion that afternoon – he would always point out the things he appreciates about another person’s faith and play down people’s weaknesses. In 2018, after that year’s conference, and as I sought to find a place to stay for a few days in Lagos, Sola took me to Alaba Ajileye and mandated that kind family host me the few days I needed to stay in Lagos.
Sola Abraham was the best of the lot of the reformed folks I know in Nigeria. It pleased God to simply take him first. The person who found Sola at the scene of the accident ventured first to pry Tobi, his daughter, out of the unconscious man. It is said Sola’s still had a tight grip on the girl, and some force had to be exacted to extricate the girl from his arms. Even while he lay unconscious, Sola was still serving Christ and humanity.
Deji Yesufu is the Pastor of Providence Reformed Baptist Church Ibadan. He is the author of HUMANITY. Source 15 Likes 1 Share
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Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by Acekidc4(m): 9:24am On Feb 04 |
Ahhhh😯😨 1 Like |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by Newsmills: 12:32pm On Feb 04 |
Where are the christians in this country,the family needs the supports of every decent believer. 32 Likes 4 Shares |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by VBCampaign: 2:14pm On Feb 04 |
Newsmills: Where are the christians in this country,the family needs the supports of every decent believer. Precisely 9 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by Acehart: 3:53pm On Feb 04 |
VBCampaign:
Precisely Any account number to make a contribution? 17 Likes 1 Share |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by churro: 4:59pm On Feb 04 |
How very touching! Rest in Peace, Sola. 12 Likes |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by farouk2much(m): 5:38pm On Feb 04 |
I cant read all this shit.... Pastor never saw that coming...... 3 Likes 5 Shares |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by BigDawsNet: 5:39pm On Feb 04 |
Rip
No where is safe… 1 Like |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by xpressionx(m): 5:39pm On Feb 04 |
He died protecting his daughter.
May his soul RIP 39 Likes 1 Share |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by AOB1: 5:40pm On Feb 04 |
Nawa o |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by killuminati(m): 5:41pm On Feb 04 |
 Me bloodclaat! Me vex everytime me hear a yeng-yeng bike kill a man.. 2 Likes 1 Share |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by Righthussle: 5:41pm On Feb 04 |
Ok |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by AbuTwins: 5:41pm On Feb 04 |
Death is always so so!
It comes when you're least prepared! The belief that you'll grow old is false! Not all of us will grow old!
The truth is anyone from fetuses and all ages can die! Even if no be okada you fit die asleep!
No okada man will internationally want to murder anyone! Na wetin all of us go chop we dey find!
And death's job na to kill! 2 Likes 1 Share |
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Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by MaziObinnaokija: 5:42pm On Feb 04 |
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Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by tishbite43: 5:44pm On Feb 04 |
Chai  1 Like |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by BVibesStories(f): 5:45pm On Feb 04 |
So unfortunately.
May his soul rest in peace 3 Likes |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by Wealthoptulent(m): 5:46pm On Feb 04 |
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Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by Buhari4dullard: 5:46pm On Feb 04 |
2 Likes 1 Share
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Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by lapintoz: 5:47pm On Feb 04 |
This is a kind of life oyedepo should touch.. .not boasting about 4 private jet.....shior 10 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by free2ryhme: 5:47pm On Feb 04 |
VBCampaign:
Source Another life lost to the reckless Okada riders in Lagos. he rider? He fled. Now, a family is left without a husband and father. Lagos keeps banning Okadas, but enforcement is weak. Until something serious is done, more innocent lives will be wasted. Today it’s Sola, tomorrow, who knows? 8 Likes |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by LoneSoldier(m): 5:51pm On Feb 04 |
This is a lesson to all christians, God doesn't not care one bit about your fûcking life....  |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by Http40k(m): 5:52pm On Feb 04 |
Acehart:
Any account number to make a contribution? Pls I'm in a terrible state at the moment. I pray that u do age something to me to help this hunger. |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by doggedfighter(f): 5:53pm On Feb 04 |
This is really touching.
Bikes should be banned ! 1 Like |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by Afrowits: 5:54pm On Feb 04 |
May his gentle Soul Rest in Perfect Peace. Amen 🙏 3 Likes |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by Nnamdipapa(m): 5:54pm On Feb 04 |
Let the family create a GoFundMeme account and we will contribute. RIP. 5 Likes 1 Share |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by Houseofglam7(f): 5:55pm On Feb 04 |
🥺 |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by GboyegaD(m): 5:55pm On Feb 04 |
May his soul rest in perfect peace. The impatient okada rider has caused a family a great and unforgettable pain. 5 Likes |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by happney65: 5:56pm On Feb 04 |
doggedfighter: This is really touching.
Bikes should be banned ! Private car owners too are not different from okada riders too. Ati private,Keke,Okada, everybody is a mad driver Na Nigeria people will be telling you proudly that they never learnt driving they just flew into the street. Everybody just do as he like. May his soul rest in Peace 5 Likes 1 Share |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by MaxNdu: 5:57pm On Feb 04 |
VBCampaign:
Source My take in all this is always be very prayerful and watchful because in Nigeria, there is more than a million ways to die. Also, pray that you never be involved in any serious accident because the possibility of being saved at any of the country's health facility is very close to zero  . 4 Likes |
Re: How Pastor Sola Abraham Was Killed By An Okada Rider In Ipaja, Lagos by LilX2: 6:00pm On Feb 04 |
Nawa4nl: That tribe will mine any skull without any regrets
Even in a time of painful news , you still bring your ugly head with tribal talks, may the pain his family is going through not hunt you. All of you in this Nairaland doing this tribal talks are all stupid . None of you have brains that is why this country is the way it is . May the dead rest in peace 🪦 11 Likes |