Laolu Martins, an investment banking expert and co-owner of popular Lagos eatery, Bukka Hut, is dead.
He died on Tuesday evening, his family confirmed in a Wednesday statement.
The family said that the astute banker had over 21 years of experience in investment banking, corporate banking, stockbroking, asset management, and pension fund management.
“We hereby solicit the support and understanding of everyone as the family grieves the loss of our beloved Laolu in our privacy.
“Our kind request is that you support the family – wife, children, aged mother and father and his siblings with your prayers at this difficult time.
“Further announcements will be made by the family,” the statement read in part.
Bukka Hut took to its Twitter page to mourn its co-founder.
Mr Olaolu Martins and all the memories shared together will forever remain in our hearts.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
🕊️🕊️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/p0y9VVu5Xf
— Bukka Hut Restaurant (@BukkaHut) September 28, 2022
Martins kicked off his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers in 1999.
He joined Investment Banking & Trust Company Plc, now Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, where he served in the Financial Control and Trade Finance/Foreign Operations units of the Bank before being seconded to Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Ltd where at various times he was Financial Controller, Head Asset Management and lastly Head Stockbroking.
He later resigned in 2005 to join Shell Nig. CPFA Ltd, the Fund Manager of the Shell Companies in Nigeria Pensions Scheme where he was Head, Investments up till 2008 when he resigned to join Nigeria International Security Limited, NISL, an independent financial services firm specialising in investments within the Nigerian space.