Majekodunmi was married to Victoria Majekodunmi. They had four children. He died on 5 June 2026, at the age of 86.
(i) Architectural Career
Arc (Chief) Olufemi Majekodunmi was a pioneering British-Nigerian architect whose career fundamentally shaped the African architectural landscape. He was the first African president of the International Union of Architects (UIA) and founder of one of the continent’s most prominent architectural firms.
After graduation, Femi worked for some years with firms in Washington, D.C. Afterwards, he returned to Nigeria and worked with Godwin and Hopwood Architects, Lagos, before establishing his architectural firm, then Femi Majekodunmi Associates, now FMA Architects Ltd, in Nigeria in 1973. The firm has grown to a large practice, with branch locations in Botswana and South Africa. He worked with various architectural organisations to advance the practice of architecture in countries across Africa. He was closely associated with many architectural organisations. He was the first president of the Nigerian Institute of Architects and a past president of the International Union of Architects from 1990 to 1993.
Majekodunmi was a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of British Architects and a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects. He was a juror for several competitions, including the WAN Awards for World Architecture. He was an associate professor of architecture at the University of Lagos.
(ii) Notable buildings/projects
Botswana Police College; St Nicholas Hospital, Lagos; Sterling Tower, Lagos; NAL Office Buildings, Standard Chartered Bank Building, Lagos; South African High Commission, Abuja; Total Head Office, Lagos.
(iii) Professional Leadership
Arch. (Chief) Olufemi Adetokunbo Majekodunmi was a pioneering force in African architecture. As the first African president of the International Union of Architects (UIA), he championed African perspectives globally and shaped architectural governance across the continent.
A distinguished architect and committed leader, Olufemi Majekodunmi made a lasting contribution to the profession at both regional and international levels. He served as the first secretary general of the African Union of Architects (AUA) from 1981 to 1984, helping to lay the foundations of its governance across the continent.
From 1990 to 1993, he served as the first African president of the UIA, marking an important moment in the union’s history. During his presidency, he helped bring African perspectives more prominently to the international stage and championed a more inclusive vision of architectural leadership and professional dialogue.
Throughout his career, Olufemi Majekodunmi was widely respected for his vision, his commitment to service, and his support for future generations of architects. His work strengthened professional institutions and contributed to broader reflections on ethics, collaboration, and the role of architecture in society.
His passing is a great loss to the architectural community. The UIA pays tribute to his remarkable legacy and extends its sincere condolences to his family, colleagues, and friends, as well as to the architectural community in Nigeria, across Africa, and throughout the world.
(iv) Other roles and honours
The late Chief Architect Olufemi Adetokunbo Majekodunmi was a globally acclaimed British-Nigerian architect known for defining modern African architecture. He received prestigious academic and professional honours, including the Albert Einstein Bronze Medal and the American Biographical Institute Medal of Honours.
(v) Legacy
Arch (Chief) Olufemi Majekodunmi was a pioneering British-Nigerian architect whose legacy is defined by transforming modern African architecture, building resilient professional institutions, and advocating for African representation on the global stage.
He inherited a legacy of public service from his father, but he forged a unique path through architecture. Over more than five decades, he has mentored countless young architects and helped transform Nigeria’s skyline with modernist structures that balance innovation and cultural identity.
Femi has firmly established himself amongst the pantheon of outstanding Nigerian professionals with global footprints. His most enduring architectural masterpiece is St Saviour’s Cathedral Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, with its iconic huge (and ever-dazzling) hanging cross, which is reputed to possess amazing healing powers. The funeral service for Femi will hold at the very same church he designed.
Femi was very much a family man, and the centrepiece was his adorable wife, Victoria, who sadly passed away on 6th March 2023. They were blessed with four children: Olufunke, Ayodeji, Akintunde, and Olufolarin.
It must have been heartbreaking for Femi to cope with the loss of his beloved daughter Olufunke two months ago.
For much of his childhood and adulthood, Femi was in awe of his father. Dr Majekodunmi had been a brilliant student at St Gregory’s College before proceeding to Trinity College, Dublin, where he truly excelled. On his return to Nigeria, he joined the civil service and was posted to Oshogbo, where he became both neighbour and friend to Engineer Adeniyi Williams. Both of them ended up back in Lagos.
Femi followed his father’s footsteps and entered St Gregory’s College, but it was a shaky beginning. He eventually got into his stride. In spite of his athletic frame, he did not participate aggressively in sports.
Being a tribute to Arc (Chief) Olufemi Majekodunmi!
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