Laolu Martins, who was a banker with over 21 years of experience in investment banking, corporate banking, and also one of the co-founder of Bukka Hut, a Lagos-based eatery, is dead.

According to reports Martins has been battling with depression and had made efforts to overcome it. His family, which confirmed his death in a statement on Wednesday, asked for understanding and privacy as they mourn him.

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

“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.

Further announcements will be made by the family.”