David Olorunleke, the founding President and Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), has passed away, the institute announced on Friday, October 24, 2025.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Registrar and Chief Executive of CITN, Afolake Oso. Olorunleke, widely regarded as the “Doyen of Taxation,” served as president of the institute from 1985 to 1995.
Oso described Olorunleke as a distinguished leader in Nigeria’s tax profession, noting his previous roles as Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Finance, and board member of FIRS.
“Chief Olorunleke departed this life peacefully in the early hours of Friday, October 24, 2025,” Oso said. “He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and an enduring champion of the tax profession in Nigeria.”
She added, “We kindly request your prayers, reflections, and tributes as we celebrate his life, honour his achievements, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing the profession he helped build.”
Olorunleke’s contributions to the development of taxation in Nigeria earned him widespread respect among colleagues and policymakers alike.
In recognition of his legacy, CITN has opened condolence registers at its Lagos and Abuja offices, inviting members and the public to pay their respects.
His passing marks the loss of a pioneering figure who played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s tax administration framework and mentoring generations of tax professionals.
CITN officials, alongside stakeholders in Nigeria’s finance sector, are expected to hold memorial events to honour Olorunleke’s contributions in the coming weeks.
The institute urged members and the public to remember his service and dedication to advancing professional standards in taxation across Nigeria.
