Tinubu paid tribute to Ogunbanjo for consistently dedicating himself to championing causes close to his heart including grassroots community development.
By Jeffrey Agbo
President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences to the Ogunbanjo family and the Ijebu-Ode community following the death of elder statesman, Chris Ogunbanjo.
The businessman died on Saturday, October 7, 2023, just two months before his 100th birthday.
His family announced his death in a statement, saying: “Papa was an unwavering beacon of reassurance, courage and moral integrity for the entire family, truly embodying dedication and service to his country.”
In his condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, to the bereaved family, Tinubu said the deceased made landmark contributions as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated corporate lawyers.
The president said, “Chief Chris Ogunbanjo will be remembered for his extraordinary life of service to his community and the promotion of best business practices as a corporate lawyer of untarnished repute. His contributions to the economic development of Nigeria and commercial law practice in our country will endure.”
He said Ogunbanjo’s multifaceted roles as an industrialist, corporate lawyer and philanthropist had left indelible impressions in these important fields as he empowered and mentored numerous professionals from Nigeria and beyond.
As an honoured recipient of several prestigious chieftaincy titles, such as the Olotu of Ijebuland, Larinja of Egbaland, Gbadero of Lagos, Lerinja of Egbaland, Baba Oba of Ijebu Imusin, and Baba Oba of Erunwon Ijebu, Tinubu paid tribute to Ogunbanjo for consistently dedicating himself to championing causes close to his heart, including grassroots community development and advocacy for peaceful co-existence between Nigerians from diverse backgrounds.
He urged all who are mourning the elder statesman to reflect on the extensive contributions he had made to the progress of humanity and to carry forward the ideals he lived for.
Ogunbajo was born in the Erunwon-ljebu area in Ogun into the Christian family of Daniel Ogunbanjo and Madam Towobola on December 14, 1923.
He attended St. Phillips primary school, Aiyetoro, Ile-lfe before proceeding to Oduduwa College, Ife in 1936 for his secondary education.
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In 1938, he was transferred to Igbobi College in Lagos where he completed his secondary education.
In 1949, Ogunbanjo obtained a law degree in from the University of London and was called to the bar a year later.
He kicked off his legal practice in 1950 as a partner in the law firm Samuel, Chris & Michael, with Ladoke Akintola and Michael Odesanya as the other partners.
When the partnership dissolved a decade later, he established Chris Ogunbanjo & Co, a commercial law firm which soon became a boot camp for many successful legal practitioners in Nigeria.
Ogunbajo was married to Hilda Ladipo until her death in August 2004.
The family said information about his obsequies, the venue for condolence visits and visiting hours will be shared in due course.
Meanwhile, Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of Pa Ogunbanjo’s soul and divine comfort to his family and loved ones over his passing.
