The tax profession in Nigeria has lost a celebrated leader: David Olorunleke, the pioneer President and Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), has passed away. The institute confirmed his death in an official statement on Friday, 24 October 2025. (The Guardian Nigeria)
Olorunleke, fondly called the “Doyen of Taxation”, served as CITN’s first President from 1985 to 1995, laying the groundwork for what would become a key professional body in Nigeria’s tax sector. (The Guardian Nigeria)
Throughout his distinguished career, he held several high-level positions including Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, and board member of FIRS. (Royal News)
According to the CITN statement, Olorunleke died peacefully in the early hours of Friday, 24 October. (Royal News)
The institute has opened condolence registers at its Lagos and Abuja offices and appealed for tributes and reflections in honour of his legacy. (The Guardian Nigeria)
Why it matters:
Olorunleke’s leadership spanned a formative period for Nigeria’s tax profession; the standards and structures he helped build underpin much of today’s tax-administration framework.
His career bridged public service and professional development, influencing policy, administration, and practitioner education.
His passing marks the end of a generational era in the tax-profession community; many senior professionals and policymakers were mentored under his leadership.
Legacy & impact:
As the founding President of CITN, he helped to formalise the institute’s role in regulating tax-practice standards, training, and ethics in Nigeria.
His tenure at FIRS and Ministry of Finance placed him at the heart of Nigeria’s tax-policy evolution—from revenue-mobilisation reforms to tax-administration modernisation.
He is remembered for mentoring younger tax professionals and advocating for professionalisation, inclusiveness and respect across the tax community. (Seen in his comments in CITN newsletters and interviews). (portal.citn.org)
