Business man, philanthropist and corporate lawyer, Chief Christopher Oladipo Ogunbanjo is dead. He would have been 100 years old 14th December.
According to the family, Ogunbanjo “transitioned peacefully into eternal glory” on Saturday evening, “surrounded by his beloved family”.
Born in Ijebu Ode, the present day Ogun State, he attended St. Phillips Primary School, Aiyetoro, Ile-Ife before proceeding to Oduduwa College, Ife for his secondary education in 1936. In 1938, he moved to the prestigious Igbobi College in Lagos where he completed his secondary education. He obtained a degree in law in 1949 and was called to bar a year later in 1950.
Ogunbanjo began his legal practice in 1950 as a partner in a law firm then known as Samuel, Chris & Michael (made up of former late Premier of Western Nigeria, Chief Samuel Akintola; late Justice Michael Odesanya; and Ogunbanjo) whose offices were situated at Tinubu Square in the heart of Lagos.
After the dissolution of the partnership in 1960, he created Chris Ogunbanjo & Co; a commercial law firm considered to be the building platform for many successful luminaries in Nigerian legal practice.
He was instrumental in the Nigerian legal, corporate, industrial and management practice.
Ogunbajo was appointed “Retainer-Solicitor” to the NIDB Project by the Federal Government and International Finance Corporation. He was also part of several top companies such as West African Batteries, Metal Box Toyo, Union Securities, 3M Nigeria, ABB Nigeria, Roche Nigeria and Chemical and Allied Products Limited.
He held the national awards of Commander of the Order of the Niger; and Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic.
The family statement announcing his transition read: “We give thanks to the Almighty God for the glorious and blessed life of our dearest Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, and patriarch of the Ogunbanjo family of Erunwon, Ijebu-Ode, Papa Christopher Oladipo Ogunbanjo OFR, CON, who transitioned peacefully into eternal glory this evening, surrounded by his beloved family, in his centennial year.
“Papa was an unwavering beacon of reassurance, courage, and moral integrity for the entire family, truly embodying dedication, and service to his country.
“His departure is profoundly felt by us all, and as such, we humbly request your prayers. We kindly ask for understanding and respect during these initial days of mourning, as we wish to grieve privately.
“Information regarding his obsequies, the venue for condolence visits, and visiting hours will be shared by the family in due course”.
