President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences to the Ogunbanjo family and the entire Ijebu-Ode community on the passing of their patriarch and elder statesman, Dr. Christopher Oladipo Ogunbanjo, OFR, OON, who made landmark contributions as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated corporate lawyers.
The President, in a statement by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, on Sunday, joined the family members, colleagues, friends, and well-wishers of the late legal luminary in mourning the loss of a distinguished figure in Nigeria’s legal and business communities, whose 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, the President paid tribute to Pa 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.
President Tinubu urged all who are mourning this elder statesman, whose life was characterised by an exceptional commitment to philanthropy and the betterment of the country, to reflect on the extensive contributions he had made to the progress of humanity and to carry forward the ideals he lived for.
“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,” President Tinubu said.
The President prayed for the peaceful repose of Pa Ogunbanjo’s soul and divine comfort to his family and loved ones over this irreparable loss.
Meanwhile, according to a terse statement from the Ogunbajo family, it said the late elder statesman and the Great Baba Ijo of the Church of the Epiphany, Erunwon, died on Saturday evening.
“With gratitude to God Almighty, we announce the passing into glory of our great Father who lived for the children, the family, the Church, the community, and the entire Nation – Chief C. O. Ogunbanjo, OFR, (The Great Baba Ijo of the Church of the Epiphany, Erunwon) as he passed into glory yesterday night, 7th October, 2023.
“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, and may the good Lord comfort the family he left behind. Adieu Baba Chris Ogunbanjo,” the family stated.