Late Jurist Babatunde Oshilaja Laid to Rest in Iperu, Ogun

The remains of a late legal icon, Babatunde Oluwemimo Habeeb Oshilaja has been laid to rest at his home town Iperu, in Ikenne local government area of Ogun State.

Oshilaja popularly called Baba Oshi, died on Thursday, May 13, 2021, at the age of 72 years.

A mammoth crowd turned out to pay their last respect to the jurist who was described as an intelligent scholar.

Commenting on the life and time of the late jurist, Magistrate Subulola Osowe, described Oshilaja as a great mentor and an exceptional teacher.

According to Osowe, humility was Baba Oshi greatest asset and simplicity his second name.

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

‘’Daddy, I really miss you. I don’t have the words to express how much I miss you. From a tender age, you’ve always told me that you loved me, and 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 us; your wife, and children. We all miss you terribly. I miss you terribly. I speak with you all the time and I know you can hear me’’.

His wife, Christiana Adeyinka 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.

His Biography

Babatunde Oshilaja was born in December 27, 1946. He entered 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.

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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 mentor to many and touched the lives of those around him willing to better themselves. He is survived by a wife and five children.