Photographer ‘Kola Oni Foto’ Dies in Lagos Motorcycle Accident

​LAGOS — The Nigerian creative and tech communities are reeling from the sudden loss of Kolapo Oni, the multi-talented documentary photographer and influencer widely known as Kola Oni Foto. The 32-year-old creator passed away on March 2, 2026, following a tragic motorcycle accident.

​The Fatal Journey

​On March 1, 2026, Oni shared his excitement on Facebook about embarking on a solo motorcycle trip from Lagos to Akure. Hours after setting off, friends reported that he had been involved in a serious accident at the Kara axis while entering Lagos. Despite intensive efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) the following day.

​A Life of Service and Art

​A true polymath, Oni’s life was defined by a diverse array of passions and professional roles:

​1.Military & Service: Before his rise in the creative world, he served his country as a naval officer.

2.Literary & Visual Arts: He was a prolific author of three books and an acclaimed documentary photographer. His “mental Oshodi shot” remains a landmark piece of his visual legacy.

3.Community Impact: Beyond his art, he was known for his selfless nature, often using his platform to help others, including assisting victims in recovering money lost to scammers.

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​4.Storytelling: He was beloved for his “Bolt stories” and the “Baba Landlord” comedy series, which showcased his effortless wit.

​“He Was Never Alone”

​In a moving tribute, close associates addressed initial rumors regarding the circumstances of his passing. Friends and colleagues, including Akan, Anthony, and Oyindamola, were on the ground immediately following the accident to identify him and coordinate with his family.

​”We were in constant communication with his sister,” a close friend stated. “We were simply waiting to break the news to his parents… He was never alone”.

​A Lasting Legacy

​Oni was a founding member of OnTheMove Nigeria, a tourism initiative that saw him explore 11 Nigerian states. Whether through his music, poetry—most notably his piece “Beneath My Shadows”—or his recent passion for biking, he lived a life of relentless expression.

​As tributes pour in under the hashtags #zeezou and #wolf, the consensus remains that Kolapo Oni died doing what he loved, leaving behind an impactful body of work that captured the heart of Nigeria.