Tributes & Memories

A complete gentleman with a sense of brilliance. I had taken some items to the Olabenjo’s in preparation for my brother’s wedding and then, I met Babaa. From that very moment, he did not just embrace me but engaged me deeply about education, work and career aspirations. I recall thinking, who takes the time to have such a meaningful conversation with someone they have just met, especially in the middle of their daughter’s wedding preparations? That moment defined who Babaa truly was for me. I was also preparing for my youth service corps, posted to Yobe State. Babaa stepped in and I had the privilege meeting Yussuf Bomoi in Maidiguri, the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps at the time. An experience I will never forget as it played a significant role in making my youth service days a memorable one. Babaa encouraged me to get certified with CITN, even though I did not see the need at the time as an IT professional. CITN certification later became a requirement to becoming a Manager at my workplace. I had that in my pocket while others were rushing under tight deadlines to meet that requirement. There was never a time I met Babaa without having a meaningful conversation about career growth and life. In fact, whenever I knew he was coming around, I would prepare ahead, knowing he would ask thoughtful and insightful questions about my progress and direction. Babaa was a complete gentleman, highly intelligent, deeply family oriented, and grounded in his faith. He lived a good life and raised children who are not only God fearing but also intelligent and accomplished, values that are clearly being passed on to the grandchildren. We may not see you again, Babaa, your memory and legacy will continue to live on in a special place in our hearts. Thank you for your foresight, thank you for your guidance, thank you for the wisdom, encouragement, and genuine care you showed freely. Your impact will never be forgotten, I remain forever grateful.

A heartfelt tribute to a man who came into our lives as an in-law, but became family in every sense of the word. Babaa never saw us as in-laws, he saw us as family. From the very beginning, he welcomed us with open arms, making us feel loved, accepted, and truly at home. One of the many things that made him so special was the way he embraced everyone, regardless of their background or faith. Every Eid, Christmas, and Ramadan, he never failed to send his greetings. Those simple but thoughtful gestures spoke volumes about the kind of man he was. To Babaa, humanity always came before religion. He believed in love, respect, and the bonds that unite us, and he lived those values every day. Babaa may no longer be with us, but he lived a life filled with kindness, generosity, and compassion. Like our own father, he had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome and valued. His legacy is not only in the family he leaves behind but also in the countless lives he touched with his warmth and genuine care. As we say goodbye, we take comfort in knowing that his life was well lived and his love will continue to live on in our hearts and in the memories we cherish. Adieu, Babaa, may God grant you eternal peace and rest. May He also give your beloved wife, children, and the entire family the strength and fortitude to bear this great loss. You will be deeply missed, but your kindness, your example, and your love will never be forgotten.

Honouring Babaa’s Legacy of Strength and Principle My father‑in‑law was a man whose life was defined by quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and a deep commitment to the values that shaped everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Babaa lived with a clarity of purpose that never wavered: to do what was right, to stand by his word, and to raise his children with the confidence that comes from education, discipline, and love. He understood that education is not just a pathway to opportunity — it is a form of dignity. Babaa believed that knowledge gives a person the ability to stand tall in any room, to make choices from a place of freedom, and to build a life that reflects their fullest potential. And he passed that belief on to his children with intention and devotion. What made him extraordinary was how he championed his children, especially his daughters. He raised them to know that their voices mattered, that their ambitions were valid, and that their education was not optional — it was essential. He taught them to walk through the world with confidence, to pursue excellence without apology, and to never shrink themselves for anyone. The strength, grace, and achievement they carry today are a living testament to his guidance. His integrity was not loud or performative. It was steady, consistent, and deeply rooted. He lived by example — showing that character is measured not by what one says, but by what one does when no one is watching. I recall a moment from his career in the Federal Civil Service, when he served at the Ministry of Housing. At the time, the Minister, Olusegun Mimiko, appointed Babaa as Chairman of the Federal Privatization Committee. The Federal Government had decided to sell and privatize public housing across Nigeria. For many, this would have been an opportunity for significant personal gain. Even a person with strong morals could have been tempted or pressured by individuals seeking favours or access to prime properties in exchange for financial benefit. But not Babaa. At no point did he compromise himself. He did not take a kobo from anyone, nor did he convert any property to himself. His conduct in that role was a masterclass in integrity, and it is something I have always admired deeply. It is a value I have tried to live my own life by. His honesty, his fairness, and his sense of responsibility formed the foundation of his home and shaped the generations that follow him. We will remember him for his knowledge, his humility, and the way he poured himself into his family. We will remember the values he instilled, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so generously. And we will carry forward his legacy — not just in words, but in the way we choose to live. He leaves behind children who are strong, educated, principled, and grounded — exactly as he intended. That is the mark of a life well lived. May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may we continue to honour him through the lives we build and the values we uphold.

To HIM we all came and to HIM we will all returns. Continue Baaba to rest in peace. My privilege of knowing you and your family through my senior brother was a special blessing in my family life. Your genuine interest in progress of others, calm and sound judgement on issues, do everything in your capacity to ease problems of others in there times of uncertainty have no equal. Your kindness, wisdom, generosity and charitable nature made me to choose you as my role model. The ways you touched many lives, assist and strengthened them for everlasting sources of joy and happiness left a very big vacuum to fill. Your caring, concern and love for entire Popoola's family will not forgotten easily because Olabenjo and Popoola families are now one. We will continue to miss you till we meet to part no more. Continue to rest in peace "BAABA"

Bro Olugbenga Olabenjo was past President of Fountain of Hope 52NG ALL SAINTS CHURCH Wuse Zone 5 Abuja. We celebrate the good life he lived, May God rest his beloved soul. Amen

My Grandpa, Engr. Olubenga Olatunde Olabenjo (also knows as Babaa) was one of the gentlest, and kindest person I’ve ever known. Back in Nigeria every Sunday after church we would always used to go to TFC then go over to Mama and Babaa’s house where I would ask Babaa to show me and my twin brother Tomisire the dog they had back then. He would also take us to his office to give us sodas. Back in Nigeria Babaa would take my siblings and I on many trips. Although I don’t remember most of them I do remember having lots of fun wherever we went. He would always tell my siblings and I all kinds of stories from the past. Back when I was living in Nigeria I was always so excited when him and Mamaa would come to my school for grandparents day, or to watch me perform in my ballet performances, or music recitals. He was a very active Grandfather and he’ll be deeply missed. Rest in peace 🕊️ You’re granddaughter, Oluwatamilore Adelekan

Saying goodbye to you,Baba, was hard for me, my siblings , and my parents. You were an amazing grandfather and a hardworking engineer, and I'll always remember how you were always ready with snacks for me and my siblings whenever you visited us in Nigeria, Lagos. My family and I will miss your presence very much , but all the great memories we shared are going to stay with us forever. Thank you for everything Rest in peace.

I never had the privilege of meeting Engr. Olabenjo personally but his legacy is unmistakable. His love, kindness, and discipline are beautifully reflected in my friend Tosin and her siblings, whose character speaks volumes about the man who raised them. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, and may the entire family find comfort in the remarkable legacy he leaves behind. Rest in peace sir

To me, Babaa was much more than a mentor, he was a father. From my university days, he took a genuine interest in my life, and that of my siblings, always checking on our academics and encouraging us to excel. He ensured I was posted to my preferred NYSC location and, while I searched for a job, he employed me as his personal assistant at Olabenjo & Associate Consulting Engineers, paying me a monthly stipend until I secured my first internship. He later helped me obtain two more jobs. When my father passed away, Baba stepped into that fatherly role for I and my siblings. He made sure our family was comfortable, celebrated every one of our achievements as if we were his own children, and was always there with encouragement and support. He cared deeply about every aspect of my life. He encouraged me to pursue further education beyond my bachelor’s degree and was intentional about guiding me so I would choose the right life partner. Babaa was a family man, a kind and generous soul who loved deeply. The fact that he wrote each of his children a birthday letter every year speaks volumes about the intentional father he was. He also had a heart for the less privileged and quietly touched many lives through his generosity and charitable work. His wisdom, love, and unwavering support helped shape the person I am today. I will forever be grateful to have known him as a father figure. He was truly a good man, and though he will be greatly missed, his legacy of love and kindness will live on. Rest well, Babaa😭

“SENDING MY DEEPEST LOVE TO AN EXTRAORDINARY MAN OF VALOUR” Engr Olugbenga Olatunde Olabenjo was a remarkable man, a great mentor, encourager, adviser, and so many more. He was a family man till the very end and one of the best memories he left with me was “FINISHING STRONG”. He was someone who cared less about worldly or material wealth, but would rather sacrifice all that he has today, to secure the certainty of a good and upright future. Baba brought so much warmth, kindness and laughter to all around him and there was never a dull moment in his space. He loved to celebrate people and would always keep in touch. His unique plaques to appreciate people during birthdays, graduation, milestone events, etc, are legendary and I still have several of these in my library till date. As a connector, his emotional bank account was always in surplus credit, because Baba will always show up for you and find time to keep in touch by checking on his friends, families and colleagues, even when inconvenient for him. This was very evident in the ways and manner people stood by the family during his last days. He doesn’t discriminate no matter your race, religion or person and he was a completely de-tribalised Nigerian. Insisting on giving all his children names from different ethnic regions of Nigeria - (Nkechi, Ifueko, Zainab, Tamunoimiete, Ogbemudia) inspired my respect for his love and dedication to his country. Baba, you came, you gave and you conquered. You have played your part and we can only appreciate GOD’s love for all that you did, the things you stood for and the smiles you put on several faces during your earthly journey. Although your illness was insidious, we give GOD all the glory and we are confident that you are indeed in a better place. Baba we love you forever, but GOD loves you more. “E SUN RE OH” !!!