The late Lion Wesley O. Kafidiya was a distinguished accountant, auditor, consultant, humanitarian, church leader, and a committed Lion who dedicated his life to professional excellence, community service, and the advancement of humanity.
He had his early education at Lisabi Grammar School, Abeokuta, where he studied from 1965 to 1969, followed by Abeokuta Grammar School from 1970 to 1971. He proceeded to the University of Lagos, where he obtained an honours degree between 1972 and 1975. He furthered his professional studies at North-East London University (1977–1978) and the Emile Wolf College of Accountancy, London (July–December 1978).
The late PDG Wesley Kafidiya was a Fellow of both the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (U.K.) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). He was also a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), reflecting his commitment to professional development and excellence.
He began his distinguished professional career with Ernst & Whinney (now Ernst & Young), one of the world’s leading accounting, auditing, and consultancy firms, in June 1979. During his tenure, he served in various capacities, including a two-year assignment at the firm’s London office. He left the organisation as a Manager in November 1986 to establish his own practice, Wesley O. Kafidiya & Co. The firm later merged with Olusesi Sowande & Co. in 2005 to become Sowande Kafidiya & Co., where he served as the Technical Partner.
Through his years of professional practice, the late PDG Kafidiya gained extensive experience across various sectors, including oil and gas, manufacturing, construction, banking, insurance, aviation, vehicle assembly, financial institutions, government organisations, and service industries.
He contributed immensely to the accounting profession through his service to ICAN in various capacities, including membership of the Articled Clerks & Approved Students Committee, Professional Examinations Assessor, Group Leader, Supervisor, Examiner, Chief Examiner, Reviewer, Invigilator, Professional Examinations Committee Member, and Public Practice Monitoring Committee Member.
Beyond his professional achievements, the late PDG Wesley O. Kafidiya was a passionate humanitarian and servant leader. In Lions Clubs International, he was the Charter President of Ife Model Lions Club (2010–2011), Past President of Ikeja Lions Club (2012–2013), Past District Cabinet Treasurer (2014–2015), and served as Past District Governor of Lions Clubs International District 404B2 Nigeria (2019–2020). He also served as Past Multiple Council Treasurer, Past MD GLT Coordinator for Multiple District 404 Nigeria, and contributed actively to various Lions committees at Club, District, and Multiple District levels.
He was also deeply committed to alumni and community development. He served as Past National Secretary (1995–2005), Past National President (2019–2021), and a member of the Board of Trustees (2022–date) of the Lisabi Grammar School Abeokuta Old Students’ Association. He served as Treasurer of Ife May Club from 2001 until his passing and was a Trustee and Director of Joy Welfare and Charity Ministry, an NGO, from 1997.
In his service to God, the late PDG Wesley Kafidiya was a Pastor and Special Apostle in the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide (Ayo-Ni-O). His service in the church spanned several decades, including roles such as Church Auditor in the United Kingdom, Secretary and Vice-Captain of Bands at Surulere District Headquarters, Acting Conference Auditor, Member of the Audit & Systems Control Committee, Member of the Conference Budget & Planning Committee, Coordinator of the Church Security Council, Church Warden, District Chief Warden, and Apostolic Deputy (CEO) of the Welfare & Helps Ministry.
The late Lion Wesley O. Kafidiya who passed on in early 2026 lived a life marked by professionalism, integrity, faith, and selfless service. His legacy remains an inspiration to the accounting profession, Lions Clubs International, the church, and the many communities he served.