Too Soon — Olagunju Mourns Flight Lieutenant Akintoye After Fatal NAF Crash

Retired Deputy Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr Kayode Olagunju, has mourned Flight Lieutenant M. Akintoye, one of the victims of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Olagunju paid tribute to the late pilot by sharing photographs from Akintoye’s wedding ceremony in August 2025 and reflecting on his career and aspirations.

In his tribute, Olagunju described Akintoye as a well-trained and decorated Air Force pilot who had a promising future ahead of him before his life was suddenly cut short by the crash.

He expressed sadness over the circumstances surrounding the pilot’s death, describing the incident as painful and coming far too soon.

Akintoye was reportedly on his way to Lagos when the aircraft crashed in Igbokoda on Monday, according to the account provided by those close to his family.

The pilot had reportedly stopped in Benin City earlier that day to visit his mother, Prof. Emily Akintoye, whose birthday was being celebrated on Monday.

A source close to the family said Akintoye visited his mother after returning from a programme and used the opportunity to wish her a happy birthday before informing her that he and his colleagues were heading to Lagos.

According to the source, Akintoye’s brief visit turned out to be his final encounter with his mother, as news of the aircraft crash emerged a few hours later.

The development reportedly left members of the family devastated, particularly coming shortly after Akintoye celebrated his marriage in August 2025.

The late pilot’s death has added to the growing grief surrounding the NAF aircraft crash, with tributes continuing to emerge for the personnel who lost their lives in the incident.

Olagunju’s tribute highlighted the tragedy of losing a young and professionally trained pilot whose career and personal aspirations were reportedly still unfolding.