Segun Atanda/
President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences to the Ogunbanjo family and the entire Ijebu-Ode and Erunwon communities on the passage 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 and industrialists.
The late Chief Ogunbanjo who died on Saturday would have clocked 100 years in December. He ran more than 20 industries, including Niger Pak, Allied Biscuit, NGK (plug manufacturers), Henkel Chemicals Nig. Ltd, Chase Merchant Bank (later known as NAL Merchant Bank), West African Batteries, Metal Box Toyo, Union Securities, 3M Nigeria, ABB Nigeria, Roche Nigeria, Chemical & Allied Products Ltd, Chris Ogunbanjo & Co Lawfirm, and C&A Prints.
According to a statement from Tinubu’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the President 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.
Ngelale stated: “As an honored 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 urges all who are mourning this elder statesman, whose life was characterized 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.
“The President prays for the peaceful repose of Pa Ogunbanjo’s soul and divine comfort to his family and loved ones over this irreparable loss.”
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Point of correction, please. Chief Chris Ogunbanjo is from Erunwon Ijebu and not Ijebu Ode. Please note.