By Gbenga Bada

One of Nigeria’s foremost car dealers and Globe Motors boss, Willy Anumudu, has passed away at the age of 68.

According to reports, the automobile dealer died after battling a brief illness.

Anumudu’s death was announced by former presidential candidate and Chairman of the Ovation Group, Dele Momodu.

The sexagenarian was reported to have been ill after which a series of tests were conducted, including COVID-19, to which he tested negative. He was recommended to be flown to Germany for further treatment.

Anumudu reportedly breathed his last at exactly 4am yesterday after the arrangement to fly him to Germany for further treatment had been concluded.

Momodu broke the news on his Twitter and Instagram handles many hours after the confirmation of Anumudu’s death.

He wrote: “One of Nigeria’s biggest car dealers Willy Anumudu has died! The Chairman of Globe Motors, Victoria Island, suffered some health challenges a few days ago and “was tested for COVID-19 which came out negative”. He was to be taken to Germany this morning but died about 4am.

“At the time of his death, Willy Anumudu was happily married to his effervescent wife, Nkiru, who sadly was in London when the tragedy occurred in Lagos early this morning. He is survived by four children, Uzoma, Eyinna, Zinna, and Zikky… May his sweet soul rest in peace”.

In 2016, Anumudu’s Globe Motors Holdings (Nig) Limited announced plans to kick off a vehicle assembly plant in Lekki, Lagos.

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In 2019, the automobile company parted ways with Toyota Nigeria Limited after 25 years over warranty issues.

Globe Motors Holdings Ltd is an automobile dealership based in Lagos, Nigeria. The company deals exclusively in brand new passenger and commercial vehicles. Its stable of brands comprises Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Hyundai and Higer.

The company’s journey began in March 1984 when Founder and Chairman, William Anumudu, registered the company with a mission to transform the underserved Nigerian automobile industry. Over three decades later, Globe Motors surpassed its initial aspirations.

Former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of Sun Newspaper, Mike Awoyinfa, has paid tribute to the late Anumudu. He wrote: “William Anumudu. My friend. Gone with the “Invisible Enemy”. Oh my God!”

In the same vein, the Managing Editor of the Ovation media group, Michael Effiong, has also paid a tribute to the late Anumudu, saying may God strengthen his family.

Effiong wrote: “How Sad: Globe Motors Boss, Chief Willy Anumudu, is dead. He was ill and tested negative for COVID-19 and was to be flown to Germany before he passed on. He and his wife, Nkiru, were a wondrous high society couple and close to many top-rate Nigerians. May God strengthen his family.”