Family, Associates Pay Tribute to Late Babatunde Oshilaja

Tobi Soniyi

The ancient city of Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area, Ogun State Thursday, stood still, as hundreds of friends, associates, and family members gathered to pay last respects to the late legal icon, Mr. Babatunde Oshilaja.

Oshilaja, popularly called Baba Oshi, died on Thursday, May 13, 2021, at the age of 72.
His wife, Christiana Oshilaja and children, Damilola Oshilaja, Oladipupo Oshilaja, Iyi Oshilaja, Oluwawemimo Oshilaja and Ibukunoluwa Oshilaja led other dignitaries for his eighth-day fidau prayer held at his residence in Iperu.
Speaking at the occasion, Magistrate Subulola Osowe described Oshilaja as a great mentor and an exceptional teacher.

Speaking on behalf of the family, one of his sons Iyi Oshilaja said his father taught his children the importance of integrity and honesty, stressing that his father lived a great life and on his own terms.

He said: “Daddy, I really miss you. I don’t have the words to express how much I miss you. From a tender age, you have always told me that you loved me. I grew up knowing it is normal to openly tell my father that I love him and vice versa.

“This is not common in the African tradition, but you loved me and said it out loud and that was it. I am glad that I told you that I loved you, glad that you knew.

“I know you are watching over all of wife, your children, and us. We all miss you terribly. I miss you terribly. I speak with you all the time and I know you can hear me.
‘’An absolute genius is who you were. You were a great man. You advised me and did your best to provide for my siblings. You did your best helping people.

“I am saddened that death took you away. But God said in all things we should give him thanks. Your death left a scar in our hearts but your legacy will stand in our life.”
Babatunde Oshilaja was born on December 27, 1946. He had his primary education at the Wesley Primary School and then went on to Christ Apostolic Secondary School, where he dropped out after form 3 to join his father on the farm.

Babatunde, unsatisfied with life on the farm moved away from home in search of a better life. He worked menial jobs to support himself, from being a mechanic in Ibadan to loader before being noticed by a Lebanese businessman, who was impressed by his command of English and employed him as a porter
He later attended Obafemi Awolowo University for his LLB and graduated in 1977. He progressed to the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar with the class of 1978, (The Golden Class).
An astute lawyer, Babatunde was never too far away from his books. They were his best friends and prime investment.

The courtroom was his playing ground and he played exceptionally to the brilliant end.
He was a mentor to many and touched the lives of those around him willing to better themselves. He is survived by a wife and five children.