Abimbola Ogunbanjo forged an exemplary career in both law and finance, following in the esteemed footsteps of his late father, Chris Ogunbanjo, a distinguished corporate lawyer in Nigeria. Commencing his professional journey at Chase Manhattan Bank in Nigeria, he ascended to prominent positions within the Nigerian Stock Exchange, showcasing his expertise in the financial realm.
Regrettably, Ogunbanjo’s life was abruptly cut short by a helicopter crash in the United States, where he was accompanied by Access Bank’s CEO, Herbert Wigwe, along with his wife, son, and others.
Here are ten key insights into the life of the late Abimbola Ogunbanjo:
1. Abimbola Ogunbanjo was born in Nigeria to the family of Chris and Hilda Ogunbanjo. His father, Chris Ogunbajo was a foremost corporate lawyer.
2. Bamofin Ogunbanjo received his early education at Corona School Apapa, University of Lagos Staff School, Claremont School in Hastings, Sussex, and Igbobi College in Lagos. He then furthered his education at Millfield School in Street, Somerset, England, where he achieved his GCE “O” Levels.
3. He holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Business Administration from the American College, Switzerland, and an LL.B. from the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom. Additionally, Bamofin Ogunbanjo possesses certificates in International Capital Markets and Maritime Law from the New York Institute of Finance and the University of Southampton, respectively.
4. Commencing his career as a credit analyst at Chase Manhattan Bank (Nigeria) Limited, Ogunbanjo later joined the esteemed law firm of Chris Ogunbanjo LP in 1990, where he served as the managing partner. His educational background and diverse expertise have shaped a successful and multifaceted professional journey.
5. Bamofin Ogunbanjo played various key leadership roles within the Nigerian business community. From 2017 to 2021, he held the position of President of the National Council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).
6. In 2021, Ogunbanjo assumed the role of Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), the non-operating holding company resulting from the demutualization of the NSE.
7. A member of esteemed professional organizations, Ogunbanjo belonged to the International Bar Association, Nigerian Bar Association, and the Institute of Petroleum. Additionally, he was a registered capital market consultant accredited by the Securities and Exchange Commission in Nigeria. These affiliations underscore his commitment to contributing to and enhancing various sectors within the business landscape.
8. Bamofin Ogunbanjo is actively engaged in philanthropy, notably serving as the Global Ambassador for the Cervical Cancer-Free Nigeria campaign. This initiative, supported by the US-based nonprofit organization Global Oncology and backed by Stanford University, strives to diminish the avoidable fatalities of Nigerian women due to cervical cancer. The campaign’s focus lies in increasing awareness about the safety, effectiveness, and accessibility of the human papillomavirus vaccine within the Nigerian public.
9. In recognition of his notable contributions, Ogunbanjo received acknowledgment from the Elerunwon of Erunwon-Ijebu on December 8, 2018. The traditional title of Bamofin of Erunwon Ijebu Kingdom, translating to the “father of lawyers,” was bestowed upon him by the Council led by Alaiyeluwa Oba Johnson Adebayo Adebola Okubena.
10. Further highlighting his exceptional achievements, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari conferred the National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) upon Bamofin Ogunbanjo on October 11, 2022. This recognition was attributed to his outstanding contributions to the development of the Capital Markets, Corporate law, and his exemplary virtues in service to Nigeria.
