United Capital mourns six colleagues lost in the Afriland Towers fire in Lagos on Sept 17, 2025. Honor Jesutoni Shodipo, Kehinde Adeoye, and others in this heartfelt tribute from Heirs Holdings.
In a heart-wrenching tragedy that has shaken Nigeria’s financial community, United Capital Plc, a leading investment firm under Heirs Holdings, is grieving the loss of six dedicated employees in a devastating fire at Afriland Towers on September 17, 2025.
The blaze, which began in the basement inverter room of the Victoria Island office complex, quickly escalated, filling corridors with thick smoke.
Despite rapid response from emergency services, most victims succumbed to smoke inhalation, claiming many lives.
For United Capital, the loss of these individuals is profoundly personal.
United Capital, a cornerstone of Heirs Holdings, the Nigerian investment company founded by Tony Elumelu, shared a moving tribute on X today.
“Forever in our hearts,” the post read, followed by a pledge to honor their fallen colleagues, Jesutoni Shodipo, Kehinde Adeoye, Ndidi Osaemedike-Okeke, Olumide Oyefodunrin, Opeyemi Oloyede, and Rebecca Adenuga.
Each name carries stories of dedication, from Shodipo’s sharp market insights to Adenuga’s warmth in team projects.
“Though they are no longer with us, the moments we shared remain deeply etched in our hearts,” the firm wrote, promising to support the families through counseling, financial aid, and tributes to preserve their legacies.
Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, had eaelier broken his silence on the tragedy, expressing profound sorrow in a statement shared via Freelanews.
“The loss of our colleagues at United Capital is a devastating blow to our family,” he said, emphasizing the personal impact on the organization.
“These were not just employees, they were brilliant minds, passionate individuals, and cherished friends who embodied the spirit of Africapitalism. We are committed to supporting their families and ensuring their legacies endure.”
Elumelu also called for a thorough investigation into the fire’s cause and urged stronger safety measures across Nigeria’s corporate landscape, reflecting his resolve to turn grief into action.
As investigations continue, focusing on potential electrical faults in the inverter room, Lagos is grappling with broader questions about high-rise safety.
Also read: Tony Elumelu mourns tragic Afriland Towers fire
Afriland Properties expressed regret and vowed a comprehensive review to prevent future tragedies.
Meanwhile, United Capital plans candlelit vigils at its Ikeja headquarters to share memories and mourn.
These six were more than employees, they were the heartbeat of a firm driving African dreams.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
