Pa Owolabi Ositelu, “Born Photo” dies at 86

The popular civil war photographer, Pa David Owolabi Ositelu “Born Photo” dies at age 86, he died at his photo studio in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Friday, 24th December, 2021 just a day to his 87th birthday.

The Ekefa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Lekan Alabi, who is one of the admirers of the deceased confirmed the death of the popular photographer.

Alabi said that the deceased “died peacefully in his Isale-Osi, Ibadan studio this afternoon”.

He said that Ositelu, has been a celebrated photographer who started his profession during the Old Western Region.

“His competence as photographer brought his services to the tables of foremost politicians, statesmen and even the military since 1963, eventually leading him to the war front as a war photographer during Nigeria’s Civil War (1967-1970).”

Pa David Owolabi Ositelu hailed from Ogere Remo in Ogun state but settled at Isale Osi area of Ibadan shortly after Nigeria gained independence.

He named his photography business “Born Photo”, the name has been adopted as the unifying name for address in the area.

Pa David Owolabi Ositelu was born on 25th December, 1935.