The sudden passing of John Ajayi, Founder and Publisher of MARKETING EDGE, has sent a deep wave of grief across Nigeria’s marketing communications industry, leaving professionals stunned and struggling to come to terms with a loss many still describe as unreal.

Since news of his death broke, the industry has remained in a state of collective mourning. Across agencies, brands, media houses and allied sectors, practitioners have continued to express shock, disbelief and profound sadness, united by the sense that a central figure in the integrated marketing communications space has been taken too soon. Many have admitted that they still wish the news were a prank, a cruel test of emotions, rather than a permanent goodbye.

As the days have passed, tributes have continued to pour in, particularly on LinkedIn and Instagram, where industry leaders, executives, creatives and young professionals alike have shared personal reflections, prayers and words of comfort. In response, MARKETING EDGE has collated these condolence messages, preserving them as a record of the esteem, respect and affection Ajayi commanded across the industry.
Industry Leaders Speak: Shock, Respect and Deep Loss.

Several voices have described his death as a monumental loss. Kingsley Umoh of the Akwa Ibom State Security Trust Fund noted that “one more pacesetter exits the scene,” adding that Ajayi would be difficult to replace. Segun McMedal, President and CEO of Upticomm Marketing Company, described him as “an iroko in the IMC ecosystem,” whose absence will be deeply felt and whose legacy will continue to inspire.

Others spoke of the vacuum his passing has created. Morolake Emokpaire of Mondelēz International referred to the loss as sudden and unsettling, while Stanislaus Martins of Aleph Group called it “a huge loss for the industry.” Clifford Egbomeade of the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria reflected on a recent conversation with Ajayi, describing the news as unreal and a painful reminder of life’s fragility.
Condolences also came from senior marketing leaders including Segun Ogunleye of Diageo, Lampe Omoyele of Nitro 121, Folake Ani-Mumuney of Arcadia Advisory Africa, Chris Parkes, and Kayode Ebatamehi of Bluebird Communications, all of whom highlighted Ajayi’s professionalism, passion and contribution to industry growth. Many extended prayers to his family and the MARKETING EDGE team, urging strength and comfort in the face of the loss.

Voices Across LinkedIn: One Tribute After Another

Emmanuel Kufre Walter of Media & Mercantile described the news as “very sad indeed,” offering condolences to the MARKETING EDGE team and prayers for Ajayi’s soul. Oluwakemi Fabusoro, Chief Operating Officer of POKE Ltd, expressed shock and prayed for comfort for the family.

Chioma Mbanugo, FNIMN, FIMC, Head of Marketing at PZ Wilmar, PZ Cussons, said it was “so sad to read,” extending prayers to both the family and the MARKETING EDGE team. Olamide Bello of Ogilvy sent heartfelt condolences, while Olaniyi Ayeni of Brand Surveys Ltd reacted with disbelief, praying for divine comfort for all Ajayi left behind.

Hafiz Bakare of GLG described Ajayi as unassuming and diligent, extending condolences to his family, MARKETING EDGE and the entire industry. Ayoola Gbade-Bello of KintraceAI recalled Ajayi’s dignity, describing the loss as the industry’s loss and heaven’s gain.

Eniola Mayowa, Vice Chairman of Lagos NIPR, wrote simply, “So so sad.” Lampe Omoyele of Nitro 121 referred to Ajayi as a passionate professional whose contribution to industry growth was significant. Oluwatosin Ojebisi of Tetra Pak described the loss as really sad, while Jemmy Akinbola of Honda Automobiles prayed for Ajayi’s peaceful rest.

Oladapo Olatoyosi of Melody 107.7FM called the news a huge shock. Abayomi Benson of Culture Communications Limited described it as sad and shocking. Samali Monday of Pulse Nigeria prayed for Ajayi’s soul, while Joshua Akinbanjo of Numuv Quest Africa called it a painful loss and prayed for comfort for the family.

Adewale Adejuwon of Punterclash reflected on the fickleness of life, while Oreoluwa Soetan of Outdoors.ng prayed for peaceful rest. Tola Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria described the news as deeply sad, praying for those left behind.

Chris Parkes shared a deeply personal tribute, describing Ajayi as a good friend, a gentleman and a true professional, while praying for protection and comfort for his family. Ibilola Ogunnaike of MTN Nigeria, Tosin Adefeko of AT3 Resources, Adebola Balogun of DSWHUB and Emmanuel Iborida of Canvest Nigeria Limited all expressed sorrow and prayers.

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Soji Odedina of First Katalyst Group wrote, “So sad to hear this,” while David Oputah of Mediacraft Associates expressed shock and extended condolences to the family and the MARKETING EDGE team. Adesanya Abidemi of HSBS Group prayed for strength for the organisation, and Michael Nwayemike of Markova Creative Limited sent his condolences.

Elizabeth Ogunseye of Sterling Bank prayed for Ajayi’s soul. Kayode Ebatamehi of Bluebird Communications described Ajayi’s passion for the IMC industry as unmatched and said he would be badly missed. Uzoma Onwuchekwa of Fame Studios called the loss monumental, while Folake Ani-Mumuney described Ajayi as a consummate professional.

Obinna Inogbo of Worktainment Limited described him as kind and humble. David Okeme, Chairman of ReelFruit, honoured Ajayi as an industry builder whose leadership shaped institutions, mentored talent and set enduring standards. Testimony Adeola of Gosibe Goretti LTD described him as a legend whose legacy lives on.

Chibuike Goodnews of Dochase Adx, Lechi Eke of FinishedWork, Rita I of Sterling Bank, Olanrewaju Ashaolu of Four Pulley Limited, Akintunde Akinnusimi of DAG Industries Nigeria Ltd, Damilola Bankole-Bawa of SeamlessHR, Dr Ken Agbim of Boom Productions, Nn’emeka Maduegbuna of C&F Porter Novelli, Kayode Adejumo of Laplas Products Ventures, Oluwanifesi Adefila of BlackHouse Media, Chinaza Udeagu of Four Pulley Limited, Oyindamola Fakile of Flow, Lakinbofa Goodluck of MTN Nigeria, Iwejuo Ugochukwu of Aviolani Scope, Salvation Alibor of Salvy VentureCorp, Emmanuel Olaifa of Chain Reactions Africa, Austin Ayaosi of BrandImpact Consulting, Judith Akatugba of June6 Media and Akudo Azu of Network International all echoed the same themes of loss, gratitude and prayers.

Instagram Tributes: Personal, Emotional and Unfiltered

On Instagram, Lampe Omoyele again expressed condolences, praying for strength for Ajayi’s family and loved ones. Agada Jeremiah of Impact Reports Africa described Ajayi as his first boss, crediting him for nurturing his love for the industry.

Angela Makinwa of LTC-JWT prayed for eternal rest, while Lynda Aguocha of Aspira Nigeria Ltd shared broken-heart emojis in silent grief. Olamide Blessing-Kayode of Vert Idee Limited prayed for strength for the family, and Mena Nathaniel of Mena Nath Media described the news as deeply sad.

Adeyinka Adebayo of Ideas House Marketing Communications said the loss hit hard, extending condolences to the family and MARKETING EDGE team. Okewumi Daniel of Connect Marketing Services sent love and strength, while Bababunmi Agbebi of Lagos Television described the loss as colossal.

Are Oyindamola shared an emotional tribute, describing the loss as irreplaceable to marketing and journalism. Emmanuel Ijioma of O2 Academy Lagos thanked Ajayi for being a blessing to media, journalism, marketing and advertising, praying for his peaceful rest.

An Industry United in Grief

Taken together, the volume and depth of these messages reflect more than routine condolence. They reveal an industry grieving one of its own, a professional whose work, relationships and influence cut across boundaries of sector, rank and generation. As tributes continue to surface, one theme remains constant: John Ajayi’s legacy endures in the institutions he built, the people he mentored and the industry he helped shape.