Dapo Abiodun, Ibori, attend burial of Segun Senbanjo’s father in Lagos

Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun, joined dignitaries to honour Segun Senbanjo and his family at the funeral of their father, Ayodele Oluwole Senbanjo, on Thursday, May 1.

Among the dignitaries were Niyi Adebayo and James Ibori, former governors of Ekiti and Delta states respectively.

The elder Senbanjo, who died on April 5 at the age of 92, was laid to rest following a funeral service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos.

Senbanjo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun and regional director at Seymour Energy Consulting, led his family in paying their last respects.

The reception held at Harbour Point in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Also in attendance were Bimbo Ashiru, chairman of Oodua Group; Seyi Oduntan, former chairman of Wemabod; industry leaders, associates and friends of the family.

Senbanjo went round the hall to thank guests for their support and presence.

Speaking to journalists, he expressed deep appreciation and described his late father as “a role model and selfless family man”.

“Pa Senbanjo was the best father anyone could ask for,” he said.

“He ensured we had the best education and instilled in us life’s essential values. He left no stone unturned in preparing us for life.

“He believed life isn’t about seeking perfection, but about embracing our imperfections and learning from them. I urge parents to give their children the support and foundation they need to thrive in life.”

Pa Senbanjo, fondly called “Seby” by his friends, was born on July 24, 1932, in Lagos to Jonathan Olorunfunmilayo Senbanjo and Beatrice Ayoola Senbanjo (née Odumosu).

He was a prince of the Fusengbuwa ruling house in Ile-Nla compound, Agunsebi, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state.

He began his career at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the early 1960s and worked at the Federal Mortgage Bank and ITT Telecommunications.

A devout Christian, he was an active member of the Cathedral Church of Christ, where he once served as an altar servant and a steward.

In March 2025, he received a 50-year-long service award from the church’s executive committee.

He was a founding member of the Cathedral Circle and a member of the Cathedral Torch Bearers.

Senbanjo was also a prominent socialite and joined the Lagos Island Club in 1964 and the Yoruba Tennis Club in 1965.

He is survived by his wife, Toyin Senbanjo, eight children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.