Tributes Pour in as Abimbola Ogunbanjo is Buried

•Dapo Abiodun, Amosun, Daniels, Dangote, Obaigbena, Duke, Ighodalo, others pay respects

Oluchi Chibuzor

A torrent of tributes poured in from prominent Nigerians during the funeral service of the former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo, who died in a helicopter crash in the United States last month.

The late Ogunbanjo, who was buried in Lagos yesterday, died alongside former Group Managing Director of Access Holdings, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, his wife, Mrs. Chizoba Wigwe and their son.

The Governor of Ogun State, Mr. Dapo Abioudun described the late Ogunbanjo as a dependable and loyal associate who led a life of impact.

The governor, while speaking at the funeral service held at the Church of Nativity, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, urged the deceased’s family to hold on to God.

According to him, only God knows why He called him home at this period.

“Our God is a God of different seasons and only him knows why he allowed this sudden and painful event to happen. This is a painful event to us, but it’s for us to know we are travelers on earth.

“Bimbo was intentional about the things he did, he was a good, loyal, dependable associate and consistent friend to me. He was a mentor and had an infectious deep smile on his face as he lived a life of impact.

“If tears could bring back the dead, Bimbo will be here today; if God calls you home today what will be said of you?” he asked.

Delivering his sermon, the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, Church of Nativity, Right Reverend, Ifedola Senasu Gabriel Okupevi, said the Holy Bible makes it clear that there was time for everything on the earth.

The clergy, reading from the book of Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 verses 1 and 2, noted that the passages made everyone know that death was imminent.

He said, “This time we are mourning, sad, and weeping because our dear brother Abimbola is no more; we believe that we will meet again at the resurrection in paradise. His time is up and that is why he is gone. He is no more concerned about the economic woes of this world and travelling up and down.”

Admonishing the congregation, the clergy urged everybody to emulate Ogunbanjo’s virtues in using his resources to help others.

According to him, “Watching a documentary about him yesterday (Thursday), late Ogunbanjo used his resources to touch lives leaving a legacy for others to emulate.

“He has done his bit, let everyone use your influence to do good; it’s the legacy left behind by Ogunbanjo. Look at Nigeria, palliatives are not going round. Let us try to help those around us we can help.”

For the family he left behind, the clergy drew their attention to the Book of I Thessalonians Chapter 4 verse 13, which states that, “they must see him asleep and not dead.”

The late Ogunbanjo’s daughter, Ladun, who struggled with emotions and tears to take the Bible reading from Psalm Chapter 128 verse one to eight, described her late father as someone who would be sorely missed.

In his vote of thanks, his son, Timi Ogunbanjo, thanked the Lagos and Ogun state governments and various groups for their immense support.

The funeral service attracted the late Ogunbanjo’s friends, associates from across the country, which included the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of the THISDAY and ARISE Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; Senator Gbenga Daniels, Former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke; Segun Awolowo, and members of Igbobi Old Boys Association.