In Memory of Anuoluwapo Aina
Anu's Story
​Taiwo Anuoluwapo Aina, known to friends and family as Anu, was a man whose life was defined by compassion, humility, and an unwavering sense of purpose. Born in February 1999 in Nigeria, Anu moved to the UK as a baby and grew up in the vibrant community of Peckham, South London. From his early years, he carried the rich tapestry of his British-Nigerian heritage with pride, always honouring his roots in Nigeria and his love for his Ijebu heritage. It was this blend of cultures that shaped his worldview and the remarkable person he became.​
​
Anu faced many challenges in his life, none more persistent than his battle with sickle cell disease. Despite this constant struggle, he lived with a strength that inspired everyone around him. ​​
Academic Journey
Anu’s academic path was one of determination and excellence. He attended Harris Westminster Sixth Form from 2015 to 2017, a school known for its rigorous academic environment. There, he thrived in his studies, excelling in Economics, Philosophy & Ethics, Government & Politics, and History — subjects that not only honed his critical thinking but also shaped his deep understanding of society and human nature.​
​
He later went on to study Law at the London School of Economics (LSE), where he graduated in 2021. Anu’s intellect was undeniable, but what set him apart was his humble approach to learning. He was not interested in merely acquiring knowledge for knowledge’s sake; he was driven by a desire to understand the world better and to make a difference. Despite the demands of his studies, Anu always remained grounded, viewing his academic achievements as a means to a larger end—a life lived in service of others.
Professional Success
​
Anu's professional journey mirrored the same principles that defined his character. After completing a Legal Internship at GoCardless in 2021, where he gained valuable insights into the world of corporate law, Anu’s skills and work ethic opened doors to even greater opportunities. He secured a role with Barclays Legal in 2022, where his intellect and dedication to his craft quickly gained the respect of his colleagues.
Between 2022 and 2023, Anu was selected for and completed legal schemes at several of the UK's leading law firms, including Norton Rose Fulbright, Fieldfisher, Taylor Wessing, Linklaters and Pinsent Masons. These experiences further honed his legal expertise and gave him valuable insight into various facets of commercial and international law.​ Anu also undertook an internship within the UK Civil Service—an experience that exposed him to the heart of government and strengthened his understanding of how power and policy shape society.
But Anu’s sights were always set high—he had a deep desire to use his talents to effect positive change in the world, and in 2023, he received the opportunity to train at Linklaters, one of the most prestigious law firms in the world.
​
As he began his training at BPP Law School in 2024, Anu was excited for what the future held. He had just completed his Stage 1 exams and was looking forward to embarking on a career that would allow him to serve others. His commitment to justice and helping others was what truly drove him, and this was reflected not only in his professional success but also in the way he interacted with those around him.​​
.jpeg)
​​A Legacy of Kindness and Resilience
Anu’s life was defined by his unwavering commitment to others. His character, marked by kindness and resilience, was reflected in every action and every dream he pursued. Anu had ambitious, compassionate goals rooted in his desire to serve and uplift the communities that shaped him. He dreamed of:
​
-
Building a disability centre in Nigeria
-
Serving the poor in Nigeria
-
Investing in infrastructure and housing for underserved communities
-
Creating a scholarship programme for inner-city students in London, ensuring others had access to the same opportunities he fought for
He was actively working toward these goals, speaking with passion and purpose about giving back to the communities that shaped him. His dedication to turning these dreams into reality was evident in everything he did.
​
Anu’s story is not just one of professional achievement but of character, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to his values. Despite facing challenges along the way, he never lost sight of what mattered most—helping others, staying true to his roots, and living a life full of integrity. His background, shaped by a working-class upbringing, instilled in him a deep sense of humility and an understanding of the importance of hard work and perseverance.​ Anu’s life was a testament to the power of kindness. He didn’t just excel in his studies and career; he excelled in the way he treated people. His laughter was infectious, his loyalty unwavering, and his ability to make everyone feel like they mattered was his greatest gift.
Anu was a loving son, a devoted friend, a mentor, and a beacon of light for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.​Though his time with us was tragically cut short, Anu’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved him. He leaves behind not just academic and professional achievements but a model of compassion, service, and grace that will continue to inspire those who knew him.​ Anu’s journey was a beautiful reminder that success is not defined by accolades or titles, but by the impact you make on the lives of others and the love you leave behind.​​​​​
Wisdom of Anu
Anu's passion for sharing ideas, knowledge, and meaningful stories was infectious. He was a deep thinker, constantly reflecting on life and how to evolve through both grace and discipline. He often spoke about the Matthew Principle—the Christian concept that those who nurture what they've been given will receive even more—and it was a belief he lived by in both his personal and professional life. Anu reminded those around him to honor their gifts, stay curious, and lead with kindness.
​
From the age of 19, Anu was already taking decisive steps toward financial independence, diving into the world of investing and financial literacy. He was quick to grasp the power of ETFs and index funds, and he would eagerly share his newfound knowledge with anyone who would listen. It became clear that he had a natural curiosity for learning, always seeking to understand more about how the world worked and how he could grow within it.
​
Anu’s perspective on the world was so expansive and layered that his passion for enlightening others often sparked intense, yet comical debates—debates that would always end with him laughing and saying, "We're basically saying the same thing, we just arrived at it differently."
​
Drawing inspiration from figures like Jesus, Anu embraced values like truth, courage, and quiet service. He believed in leading with humility and compassion, never seeking the spotlight but always seeking to help others grow. Whether through financial advice, deep philosophical discussions, or small acts of kindness, Anu was a perpetual student of life, always learning and always teaching.
Anu's Life on Earth
These are a few of the spots in London that meant something to Anu — where friendships were built, thoughts shared, and laughter echoed.
​
-
LSE Christian Union – A place of worship, fellowship, and conversations that shaped his faith and worldview.
​
-
Peckhamplex Cinema – His workplace during his student days, and a space where he poured his work ethic and warmth into everyday moments.
​
-
Thai House, Westminster – One of his go-to food spots near Harris Westminster — comfort food with memories tied to sixth form days. When the restaurant tragically closed during the pandemic and never reopened, Anu wasn’t about to let the experience slip away. In classic Anu fashion, he tracked down the owner on Facebook and politely begged for the recipe. His determination to keep those delicious memories alive was truly unmatched, proving that even a pandemic couldn’t stand in the way of his love for a good meal.
​
-
Spicy Basil, Kilburn – A favourite haunt for great food, introduced to Anu by his close friend, Adam. It was a place for casual catch-ups, and the little joys he never took for granted.
​
-
Canton Element, Holborn – A gem introduced to him by his friend Ela, where he discovered some of the best Cantonese food in the city. It became a quiet constant through the years, and the last time he went was on February 28, with Angelica.
Anu had a few funny quirks that made him even more special.
If you knew him, you’d know about his obsession with chili oil — he’d add it to practically anything, turning even the simplest dish into something spiced with flavor and love. His other obsession? Garlic. If it wasn’t in his food, it wasn’t worth eating.
​
Perhaps one of his most endearing traits was his absolute no-photo, no-video policy. He hated being in front of the camera and would dodge, avoid, or simply laugh off any attempt to capture him on film.
But we didn’t let that stop us — we often had to sneak in a quick photo or video when he wasn’t looking, knowing full well that later on, he'd give us that signature eye-roll and a laugh.
​
His little habits, his laughs, his food rituals — these are the things we hold onto now, little pieces of him that will forever bring a smile.
Anu's Many Hats
Anu wore many hats, and each one was a reflection of his multifaceted nature. He didn’t just exist in the world — he actively shaped it, leaving his mark wherever he went.
​
Friend: Anu was the friend you could count on for anything, whether it was a late-night chat, advice, or a shoulder to lean on. He had a unique way of making people feel seen, heard, and valued.

​
Counselor: His wisdom and calming presence meant that many turned to him for guidance. Anu listened without judgment, offering counsel that was thoughtful, practical, and always filled with love.

​
​Volunteer: Anu believed deeply in giving back, and he did so wholeheartedly. Whether through his involvement with the LSE Nigerian Society executive team or preaching in prisons as part of the Prison Ministry, Anu gave his time, energy, and heart to causes that mattered. He also loved helping others with their studies and supporting those in need — always with a quiet sense of purpose and compassion.
Director: Anu’s leadership abilities were clear, whether in formal roles or among his friends. As a Trustee of the Cardinal Hume Centre — a charity for homeless people — and in various other capacities, Anu’s leadership was defined by both strength and humility. His leadership wasn’t loud or domineering, but it had a lasting, profound impact on those around him.
​
​Educator: Anu dedicated time to working as a SEND Teaching Assistant, where he brought his deep empathy and commitment to making a difference in the lives of children with special educational needs. In this role, Anu’s unwavering patience, care, and understanding helped these children thrive, leaving a lasting mark on their lives.
​
Mentor: Anu served as a mentor with ROK (Reach Out 2 Kids), a London-based charity comprised of Black and minority ethnic professionals focused on inspiring and supporting the next generation. He also mentored law students through the LSE African and Caribbean Society (ACS), offering guidance, support, and encouragement to those following in his footsteps, always making space for others to rise alongside him.
​
Anu’s commitment to his faith was unwavering, and he generously served his church communities, offering his time and leadership to the LSE Christian Union and KXC (Kings Cross Church), where his dedication and passion for others’ spiritual growth left a lasting impact.
​