Adetunji 'Teejay' Opaleye, the 32-year-old co-founder and chief technical officer of Nigerian e-commerce startup Bumpa, tragically lost his life on March 5, 2025, after a careless driver hit him while he was returning from a gym session in Lagos. The incident has sent shockwaves through the tech community, with many calling for justice and accountability in the face of systemic failures that contributed to his untimely death.

Opaleye's legacy extends far beyond his technical expertise, as he was known for his generosity, kindness, and infectious optimism. His co-founder, Kelvin Umechukwu, described him as a "voracious learner" who was always willing to help others, often going out of his way to support fellow entrepreneurs and innovators. Through Bumpa, Opaleye had made a significant impact on Nigeria's e-commerce landscape, providing a digital lifeline to over 60,000 brick-and-mortar retailers and processing over ₦160 billion (~$651,000) in transactions since its launch in 2021.

The circumstances surrounding Opaleye's death have sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians taking to social media to express their anger and frustration. A petition, "Get Teejay Justice," has garnered over 68,000 signatures, calling for the driver, Biola Adams-Odutayo, to be charged with manslaughter instead of the lesser offense of reckless driving. The petition also highlights the failures of the healthcare system, as two hospitals allegedly refused to treat Opaleye due to concerns about bloodstaining their facilities, delaying crucial medical assistance.

Opaleye's life was marked by a quiet curiosity and a proclivity for solving problems. He began learning programming languages like PHP and Linux while studying law at Obafemi Awolowo University, eventually dropping out to pursue his passion for technology. He went on to co-found Bumpa with Umechukwu, and their platform has become a testament to his innovative spirit and dedication to improving the lives of others.

The tech community has come together to mourn the loss of Opaleye, with friends and colleagues sharing condolences and memories of his life. A candlelight memorial was held on March 28, where attendees shared poignant stories of his kindness, generosity, and infectious optimism. As the community continues to grapple with the loss of this talented entrepreneur, many are calling for systemic changes to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

In the face of this tragedy, the "Get Teejay Justice" petition serves as a rallying cry for Nigerians to demand better from their healthcare and justice systems. As the tech community continues to mourn the loss of Adetunji 'Teejay' Opaleye, his legacy will live on through the impact he had on the lives of those around him, and the changes that will be inspired by his untimely passing.