Abimbola Ogunbanjo was a prominent Nigerian lawyer, businessman, and philanthropist, who served as the Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, the non-operating holding company that emerged from the demutualisation of The Nigerian Stock Exchange. He was also the Managing Partner of Chris Ogunbanjo LP, a leading corporate law firm in Nigeria. He died in a tragic helicopter crash near the California-Nevada border in the United States of America on February 10, 2024, along with Herbert Wigwe, his wife, son, and three others. He was 59 years old.
In this article, we will pay tribute to his remarkable life and achievements, and celebrate his legacy and contributions to the Nigerian economy, society, and legal profession. We will also explore his personal and family background, his education and career, his net worth and assets, and the cause and circumstances of his death.
Early Life and Education
Abimbola Ogunbanjo was born in Nigeria to the family of Chris and Hilda Ogunbanjo, OFR, CON, a distinguished and foremost corporate lawyer, industrialist and philanthropist. He had his early education at Corona School Apapa, University of Lagos Staff School, Claremont School, Hastings, Sussex and Igbobi College, Lagos before proceeding to Millfield School, Street, Somerset, England where he attained his GCE “O” Levels.
Abimbola Ogunbanjo holds a B.Sc. ( Hons) in Business Administration from the American College, Switzerland. He also holds LL.B. from University of Buckingham, United Kingdom. He has Certificates in International Capital Markets and Maritime Law from the New York Institute of Finance and the University of Southampton respectively. He was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 1985 and the New York Bar in 1989.
Career and Achievements
Abimbola Ogunbanjo joined the renowned, leading corporate law firm of Chris Ogunbanjo LP (Solicitors) in 1990, after a spell as a credit analyst with Chase Manhattan Bank (Nigeria) Limited. He became the Managing Partner of the firm in 2000, following the retirement of his father. He specialized in corporate and commercial law, banking and finance, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, energy and natural resources, and dispute resolution. He was a registered capital market consultant with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria.
Abimbola Ogunbanjo was also a successful businessman and investor, who served on the boards of several multinational corporations and non-profit organizations. He was the Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, (NGX Group), the non-operating holding company that emerged from the demutualisation of The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) from 2021 to 2022. Prior to this, he was the President of the National Council of the NSE from 2017 to 2021. He played a pivotal role in the transformation and growth of the Nigerian capital market, and championed the adoption of best practices and corporate governance standards.
He also served as a director of Beta Glass Plc, a leading manufacturer of glass bottles and containers for the beverage industry; GTL Registrars Limited, a provider of share registration and data management services; AIICO Insurance Plc, a leading insurance company in Nigeria; and ConocoPhillips Limited, a subsidiary of the American multinational energy corporation. He was also a member of the Advisory Board of the University of Buckingham Centre for Extractive Studies, a research and policy institute on the extractive industries.
Abimbola Ogunbanjo was a member of several professional associations and bodies, such as the International Bar Association, Nigerian Bar Association, Institute of Petroleum, and Institute of Directors. He was also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the Nigerian Institute of Management. He received several awards and recognitions for his outstanding contributions to the legal profession and the Nigerian economy, such as the Nigerian Bar Association President’s Award, the Nigerian Stock Exchange President’s Award, and the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce Award.
Net Worth and Assets
Abimbola Ogunbanjo was one of the richest and most influential lawyers and businessmen in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of over $100 million. He amassed his fortune from his successful legal practice, his investments in various sectors of the economy, and his shareholdings in several companies. He owned several properties and assets in Nigeria and abroad, such as mansions, cars, yachts, and private jets. He was also a generous philanthropist, who supported various causes and initiatives, especially in the areas of education, health, and social justice.
Family and Personal Life
Abimbola Ogunbanjo’s wife is Olufunke Ogunbanjo, a lawyer and businesswoman, who was also his partner at Chris Ogunbanjo LP.
Abimbola Ogunbanjo Children
They had three children: two sons and a daughter. Some of Ogunbanjo’s children are towing his footsteps. His eldest son, Oladipo Ogunbanjo, was a lawyer and entrepreneur, who followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the board of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc. His daughter, Oluwadamilola Ogunbanjo, was a medical doctor and public health advocate, who worked with the World Health Organization. His youngest son, Olusegun Ogunbanjo, was a student at Harvard University.
Abimbola Ogunbanjo was a devout Christian, who was a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. He was also a lover of sports, especially golf and polo. He was a member of the Ikoyi Club and the Lagos Polo Club. He enjoyed traveling and exploring new places and cultures. He was known for his charisma, intelligence, and humility. He was a mentor and role model to many young lawyers and entrepreneurs. He was also a devoted husband and father, who cherished his family and friends.
Tragic Cause of Death
Abimbola Ogunbanjo, along with 5 others which included Access Bank Group CEO tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash near the California-Nevada border in the United States of America on February 10, 2024. They were on their way to Las Vegas for a business meeting, when their helicopter encountered a severe storm and crashed into a mountain. The accident was one of the worst aviation disasters in recent history, and shocked the world.
The news of his death was met with an outpouring of grief and condolences from various quarters, including the Nigerian government, the legal community, the business sector, and the general public. He was described as a visionary leader, a brilliant lawyer, a consummate professional, and a compassionate human being. He was also hailed as a national hero, who contributed immensely to the development and progress of Nigeria.
Conclusion
Abimbola Ogunbanjo was a remarkable man, who lived a remarkable life. He was a legal luminary and a business leader, who made a lasting impact on the Nigerian economy, society, and legal profession. He was also a loving husband and father, who left behind a legacy of excellence, integrity, and generosity. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
