It was a celebration of life for the late boardroom guru, Chief Chris Ogunbanjo, as his remains were committed to mother earth last Thursday, December 14, 2023 at his country home, Erunwon-Ijebu, Ogun State.

But for the cold hands of death which snatched him away on October 7, 2023, the elder statesman would have been 100 years old on the day of his funerals.

The burial was preceded with a church service held at the Church of the Epiphany in the ancient town.

In his message, Venerable Ebenezer Abiala described the late chief as a man with lots of humour.

He also, called on the congregation to learn from his life of service to humanity

Eminent Nigerians, who would have celebrated with him on his centenary birthday if he were to be alive, attended his funeral.

Among them was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

Former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, two former governors of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, as well as former governor of Ekiti State, Chief Niyi Adebayo paid their last respect to the late foremost industrialist.

Also, in attendance were the host governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Minister of Finance, and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun,

Former deputy governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, former Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, Afenifere leader, Ayo Adebanjo, the new Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Chief Sunny Kuku among other eminent Nigerians and foreigners were present.

During the funeral service, Tinubu described the late corporate leader as a lover of God Almighty and his people.

He urged members of the family to remain united as they prepared to take over the mantle of leadership from their late patriarch.

While urging Nigerians to emulate the late philanthropist, Tinubu said: “the lesson we can learn is to emulate his wonderful character while he lived. He was a fine and extraordinary man.

“Papa has gone and left a wonderful family behind. To the members of the family, be as united and solid as ever as you prepare to take over the mantle of leadership from your wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather,” he said.

Governor Abiodun, in his own remark recalled that the late Ogunbanjo made impressionable contributions to national economic policy.

He acknowledged him for encouraging Nigerians to own and be part of the management of foreign companies in the country.

Abiodun, who described the late boardroom hero as a colossus and a phenomenon, also commended him for championing and advocating the pioneering domiciliary accounts in the country.

“He made impressionable contributions to national economic policy. He encouraged Nigerians to own and be part of the management of foreign companies in Nigeria,

“He was the champion and advocate for the domiciliary accounts in Nigeria. This later came into existence formally through the foreign currency decree of 1985,” the governor said.

Many other Nigerians also paid glowing tributes to the late pioneer corporate lawyer in Nigeria.