Bumpa Co-founder Adetunji Opayele Dies in Tragic Car Crash
Bumpa Mourns Co-founder Adetunji Opayele’s Tragic Passing
African social commerce startup Bumpa has been hit with a heartbreaking loss following the tragic death of its Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Adetunji ‘TeeJay’ Opayele. He passed away in a car accident on March 5, 2025.
Opayele, who co-founded Bumpa with Kelvin Umechukwu, played a crucial role in shaping the company’s technological foundation. The duo first connected while studying at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and together, they built a platform that revolutionized retail automation in Nigeria.
Reacting to the devastating news, Umechukwu expressed his grief, describing Opayele as more than just a co-founder:
“This is one of the most distressing things I’ve ever been through. Teejay wasn’t just a business partner; he was my friend, my brother, my fight partner, and a brilliant engineer. Losing him is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to face.”
Despite the immense loss, Umechukwu assured Bumpa’s customers that the startup remains dedicated to its mission. In an email on Wednesday, he stated:
“Though his presence will be missed, we commit to keeping Teejay’s legacy alive by ensuring that the Bumpa app remains fully functional and continues to serve your business needs.”
Opeyemi Awoyemi, Partner at Fast-Forward Fund—one of Bumpa’s investors—also paid tribute to Opayele, remembering him as a visionary entrepreneur and an inspiring leader.
“Tunji loved life and lived it to the fullest. From day one at Bumpa, his tenacity stood out. He was deeply passionate about his vision but also had a curiosity for life beyond work. His energy and determination were truly inspiring, and he will be deeply missed.”
Opayele’s passing is a profound loss for the African tech ecosystem, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, resilience, and dedication.
Bumpa Co-founder Adetunji Opayele Dies in Tragic Car Crash
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