By Olusegun Obisanya
The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has announced the passing of its founding father and first President/Chairman of Council, Chief David Ajibola Olorunleke, a towering figure in Nigeria’s fiscal history and revered as the Doyen of Taxation.
Chief Olorunleke, who led the Institute as its pioneer President and Chairman of Council between 1985 and 1995, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Friday, October 24, 2025.
In a statement signed by the Registrar and Chief Executive of the Institute, Mrs. Afolake Oso, the CITN described his death as “a solemn moment of reflection and gratitude for a life of remarkable service and impact.”
“Chief Olorunleke lived an exemplary life of integrity, leadership, and dedication to the growth of the tax profession in Nigeria. His pioneering vision laid the institutional and professional foundations upon which the CITN stands today,” the statement read.
Chief Olorunleke’s distinguished public service career spanned decades and multiple milestones in Nigeria’s fiscal administration. He served as Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Finance, and a member of the FIRS Board, among other national assignments.
Under his stewardship, the foundations of modern tax administration in Nigeria were firmly established. He was instrumental in promoting the professionalisation of taxation as a distinct field of study and practice, leading to the formation of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria in 1982, which was later chartered by law in 1992.
As a visionary leader, he saw taxation not merely as a tool for revenue collection but as a vehicle for national development, fiscal justice, and economic stability. His efforts ensured that the tax profession gained recognition, standards, and structure in Nigeria’s governance and economic system.
The CITN has opened condolence registers at its national secretariat in Lagos and Abuja office, inviting members, associates, and the public to pay their respects. The Institute also called for prayers and tributes as it celebrates a man whose contributions transformed taxation into a respected and indispensable pillar of national administration.
Chief Olorunleke’s passing marks the end of an era but “his legacy will continue to inspire generations of tax professionals,” the Institute said.
