[OPINION] Chief Banji Olawoyin “Double Chief Farewell, Farewell, Farewell

By Wahab Shittu SAN, PhD

Yesterday, dignitaries, high and low, rich and poor, men and women, sympathizers and well-wishers gathered in the historic city of OFFA to bid you Farewell. Many who could not attend physically like yours sincerely bade you Farewell in spirit and prayers.

It is sad that you had to leave us, like all humans will do at the appointed time. But leaving us at this time was painful.

Myself and yourself connected very well on this planet. You treated me like your blood, like your junior brother; you offered advice to me freely; you tried to guide my steps; you were always friendly and nice to me; indeed you were extraordinary.

Significantly you had a heart of Gold; a heart without bitterness.

By parentage and upbringing you had reasons to be proud and arrogant but you chose to be humble. Yours was a remarkable difference. You were among the few who believed in the commonality of humanity; who know that circumstances of birth are merely accidental. Your legendary father impacted Offa as an iconic father, a persona my l20 years old late father fondly referred to as “Lawoyin” in admiration of his political exploits. Inspite of this heritage, you chose to relate with all including children of the commons without airs. You spoke a language to the spoilt brats of rich children who will choose to pollute our environment with needless arrogance forgetting that no one can determine the circumstances of birth and that positions and status in society are only products of Grace and God’s absolute prerogative. It does not make anyone special. You taught spoilt brats children of the rich and influential that humility is priceless and the way to go. God bless your soul, double chief.

You knew that this life is vanity, upon vanity signifying nothing. You never envied your folks and friends who were richer than you. The word envy and jealousy had no meaning in your dictionary. You were happy with the achievements of your friends, and was simply happy with the way you were.

But this is not the norms of the world you have just exited. Here there is so much hate, so much jealousy, so much bitterness. I wish all of us will take cue from the brotherhood and love you preached by your lifestyle including the simplicity that defined your life.

I can go on and on extolling your virtues. I was one of the few you had long conversations with before you departed; some of the things we shared will remain eternal secrets and lasting monuments of our brotherhood and humanity.

But you will always remain in my thoughts and prayers because you were a unique human being imbued with extraordinary Kindness and humanity. God bless your soul as you reunite with the saints.

Farewell Double chief.
Farewell Bobajiro of Offa.
Farewell omo Baami “Lawoyin”.
Farewell chief Banji Olawoyin.
Farewell the man with infectious laughter.
Farewell oko “Monica”.
Farewell, Farewell, Farewell.

Your aburo,
Wahab Shittu SAN, PhD
Friday, 22nd August 2025.