Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, alongside former governors, political leaders, captains of industry, family, and friends, gathered on Thursday, May 1, 2025, to honour the life and legacy of Pa Ayodele Oluwole Senbanjo, who passed away on April 5, 2025, at the age of 92.
The solemn yet celebratory occasion was led by his son, OmoOba Segun Senbanjo—a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State and Regional Director of Seymour Energy Consulting—who coordinated the events in tribute to the revered family patriarch.
The funeral service was held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, where Pa Senbanjo had served faithfully for decades. A grand reception followed at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, where guests were treated to fine cuisine, assorted drinks, and live music from the renowned Vintage Band.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were former Governors Niyi Adebayo (Ekiti) and James Ibori (Delta), Chairman of Oodua Group Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, and former Chairman of Wemabod, Otunba Seyi Oduntan.
Clearly moved by the turnout, OmoOba Segun Senbanjo made personal rounds to thank guests for their support. Speaking to journalists, he described his father as a role model and a selfless figure whose values and guidance shaped the family’s success.
> “Pa Senbanjo was the best father anyone could ask for. He ensured we had the best education and instilled in us essential values,” he said.
“He believed life isn’t about seeking perfection but embracing our imperfections and learning from them.”
Born on July 24, 1932, in Lagos to Jonathan Olorunfunmilayo Senbanjo and Beatrice Ayoola Senbanjo (née Odumosu), the late Pa Senbanjo was a prince of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ile-Nla Compound, Agunsebi, Ijebu-Ode.
His career spanned decades of service, starting at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the early 1960s, later serving with the Federal Mortgage Bank and ITT Telecommunications during the transformative decades of the 1960s and 1970s.
A devout Christian and community stalwart, Pa Senbanjo was one of the first altar servers at the Cathedral Church of Christ and remained an active steward until his passing. In March 2025, he received a 50-year Long Service Award from the Cathedral Guild of Stewards. He was also a founding member of the Cathedral Circle and a proud member of the Cathedral Torch Bearers.
Beyond the church, he was well known in Lagos’ elite social circles, having joined the Lagos Island Club in 1964 and the Yoruba Tennis Club in 1965.
Pa Ayodele Oluwole Senbanjo is survived by his wife, Mrs. Toyin Senbanjo, eight children, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Daily Sun
