Following the unfortunate death of well-known photographer and motorcyclist Kola Oni Foto, who apparently perished in a motorbike accident while riding alone, Nigerian lawyer Chimezie Okpoko wrote an emotive tribute.

Okpoko described how their relationship started out with tension in a very personal piece.

The two had been at odds on Facebook for years, exchanging hurtful remarks and even threats. However, months later, they met in person while visiting a mutual friend’s house and decided to take a different course.

Okpoko claims that at that encounter, Kola expressed regret and clarified that he was attempting to use social media in a different way.

He discussed how his time in the military had influenced his outlook on life. A friendly and respectful friendship between them began with that chat.

Over time, their relationship got closer. Okpoko remembered a specific instance in which his trip to Lagos for a friend’s wedding was delayed till nearly midnight.

Even though it was late, Kola refused to take payment for his time while waiting for him at the airport and making sure he arrived at his hotel safely at around one in the morning. Kola would frequently send a driver to pick him up on later trips to Lagos.

Rwad what he wrote below…

“A few years ago, Kola and I got into it on Facebook. We exchanged words and threats were made. Months after that, I visited Osas in his house and met Kola.

We talked and hashed out our issues. He apologized and told me he was trying to do things differently on social media. He told me about his military background and how that shaped his world view.

We would go on to become cordial. My flight to Lagos for Victor’s wedding was delayed till almost midnight but I wasn’t scared because Kola was at the airport waiting for me. We eventually got to my hotel around 1am or so and Kola left without charging me a fee.

I would visit Lagos a few times after that and he would send a driver to pick me up.

When he got into activism, he would call to seek my opinion. I even made a post a few weeks ago cautioning him to be more careful in trying to help folks.

Kola was a decent man. He worked hard, took care whatever life threw at him like a champ.

Kola was a good son who looked after his family.

He got into it with a few people online because that is who he was. A passionate man.

This is a devastating loss to his family and his friends.

May the good lord accept his soul and comfort his family, friends and loved ones.

Rest easy champ. I will see you when it is time. Thank you for always trying to live.”

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