Laolu Martins, co-founder of fast food chain Bukka Hut, is dead

Laolu Martins, one of the co-founders of Bukka Hut, the Lagos-based fast food chain, is dead.

The family of Martins announced his demise in a statement on Wednesday.

They said Martins died on the evening of September 27 — although the statement didn’t reveal the circumstances surrounding his death.

“We solicit the support and understanding of everyone as the family grieves the loss of our beloved Laolu in our privacy,” the statement reads.

“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. The family will make further announcements.”

Laolu Martins has made a name for himself as a banker.

He has over 21 years of experience in investment banking, corporate banking, stockbroking, asset management, and pension fund management.

The Bukka Hut co-founder started his career with PWC in 1999.

He joined Investment Banking & Trust Company Plc, now Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc.

There, he served in the financial control & trade finance/foreign operations units of the bank.

He would later be seconded to Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Ltd where at various times he was financial controller, head of asset management, and lastly head of stockbroking.

Martin later resigned in 2005 to join Shell Nig. CPFA Ltd, the fund manager of the Shell Companies in Nigeria Pensions Scheme.

At the firm, he was the head of investments until 2008 when he resigned to join Nigeria International Security Limited (NISL), an independent financial services firm specialising in investments in Nigeria.