President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of one of Nigeria’s most celebrated corporate lawyers, Dr. Christopher Oladipo Ogunbanjo.
The Herald can report that Ogunbanjo died two months to his 100th birthday on Saturday, October 7.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the president expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and the entire Ijebu-Ode community, where he hailed from.
The president said Ogunbanjo was 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,” the statement read in part.
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,” Tinubu said.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of Ogunbanjo’s soul and divine comfort to his family and loved ones over this irreparable loss.