Tunde grew up in Port Harcourt, where he attended University Demonstration Primary School before progressing to University Demonstration Secondary School for his junior secondary education from 1987 to 1990. He completed his senior secondary studies at Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, from 1990 to 1993. He went on to attend Adeyemi College of Education in Ondo State.

From a young age, Tunde was drawn to understanding how things worked. He spent his weekends in the garage with his father, learning to fix and maintain cars, developing an early passion for all things mechanical. At school, he was irrepressible — curious, popular, and fiercely protective of those he loved.

Tunde lived briefly in South Africa before relocating to the United States, eventually settling in Atlanta, Georgia, where he built a career as an automobile mechanic — turning the curiosity and hands-on skill he had developed as a boy into his livelihood. He was happiest with a tool in his hand and a problem to solve.

In Atlanta, Tunde was a member of Rockhill Church, pastored by Dr Sonnie Badu. He was also an active member of the Men’s Hangout, a brotherhood dedicated to creating space for men to support one another through life’s challenges — from health and family to finances and personal struggles. It was the kind of community that suited Tunde perfectly: loyal, practical, and rooted in showing up for one another. Tunde also had a deep love of music — secular and gospel alike — a constant soundtrack to his life.

Tunde was a man of extraordinary loyalty and generosity. He maintained lifelong friendships spanning decades and continents, and thought nothing of driving across the country to see someone he cared about.

He is survived by his son David Olayiwola Sanni, whose mother is Oluwabusola Sanni; his mothers Edith Adesola Sanni and Comfort Olubunmi Adeniji; his siblings Tolu Sanni, Sade Sanni, Funso Sanni, Tosin Sanni, Olumakinde Adeniji, Olufunke Adegboyega, Oluyinka Falade, and Kemi Adeniji.

He is also survived by his uncle Prof S.A. Sanni; his sister-cousins Olufunmilayo Jacobs and Omotayo Ewumi; his cousins Moriamo Abolanle Onabanjo, Abosede Esho, Ayodele Sanni, Titilayo Sanni, Bukky Sanni-Alebiosu, Lolade Iheanacho, Dr. Joseph Olukayode Ewumi, Olusegun Ewumi, Dcn Kayode Fasanya, and Dr. Oludotun Fasanya; the Olaoye family and numerous other family members and friends.