Former attorney general of the federation and minister of Justice, Bayo Ojo, has paid glowing tribute to corporate lawyer, Christopher Oladipo Ogunbanjo, describing his death as huge loss.
He died on Sundays at the age of 99.
In a statement, yesterday, the former AGF said Ogunbanjo’s contributions to the development of corporate governance would forever be remembered in the legal profession.
According to him, Nigeria has lost a legal icon and boardroom arbitrator with a robust intellectual mind.
He added that Ogunbanjo was a legal colossus, giant among lawyers and easily one of the true giants of the profession in the mould of Rotimi Williams, H. A. Lardner, Kehinde Sofola.
According to him, Ogunbanjo empowered and mentored numerous professionals from Nigeria and beyond, adding that his all-round roles as an industrialist, corporate lawyer and philanthropist had left indelible impressions in the minds of many Nigerians.
He added that Ogunbanjo would be remembered for his extraordinary life of service to humanity and the promotion of best business practices as a corporate lawyer of untarnished repute.
“Indeed, Baba Ogunbanjo was a foundation of knowledge. He knew the law in its purest form. A distinct repository of knowledge and blend of condor, intelligence and humanity throughout his lifetime, he was a cerebral whose advocacy was top notch.
“He was a ‘Life Force’ and hugely sought after lawyer and many private individuals and corporate organisations within and outside Nigeria relied on his legal advice and counsel and he will be remembered not only for his sharp intellect, but also for his impeccable appearance.”
While commiserating with the family over his demise, Ojo said the death of Ogunbanjo was a great loss not only to the deceased’s family but to the nation at large.