The member representing Ojomu/Balogun Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Seun Ogunniyi Adato, has joined the chorus of voices mourning the passing of Chief Banji Olawoyin, Bobajiro of Offaland.
He described him as a “colossus, a socialite par excellence, and a lover of humankind.”
In a tribute titled “Celebrating the Exemplary Life of a Colossus”, Hon. Ogunniyi recalled the profound impact the late Chief — fondly known as “Double Chief” — had on his personal and political life, lamenting the death as a painful personal loss.
“My dearly beloved Uncle Banji, since the news of your death broke yesterday, it has been very hard for me to process and accept. Your death breaks my heart…” the lawmaker wrote.
Ogunniyi recounted fond memories of his close relationship with the late Chief, revealing that his Abuja residence became a constant place of refuge during his visits.
“You always insisted I be around. You couldn’t bear me to be in town and not see you. You kept your heart open to me and others — to share, laugh, throw banters, recount stories and history, and connect people together for the greater good, with no financial or material expectations whatsoever,” he said.
Reflecting on Chief Olawoyin’s remarkable generosity and humility, Ogunniyi noted that he was “stupendously rich in people and kindness of heart,” even if he did not pursue material wealth.
He recalled how the elder statesman would lovingly pull his ears and say, “kin lo se e, se o mo pe aburo mi lo je ni?” (What’s wrong with you? Don’t you know you are my cousin brother?) whenever he hesitated to accept his kind gestures.
Describing Chief Olawoyin’s passing as symbolic of the fall of a mighty tree, the drying of a rich fountain, and the end of a cherished era, Ogunniyi expressed certainty that the legacies of the late Double Chief would live on through the countless lives he touched.
“Now that you are no more, this would mean the close of a chapter, the end of an era, the no-return flight of a lovely bird, the exit of the golden fish from the river. But I know your memories and legacies in the hearts of many will linger ever on,” he wrote.
He concluded with condolences to the Olawoyin family, the people of Offa, and all who knew and loved the late Chief, whom he hailed as a true son of the legendary J.S. Olawoyin.
“We have truly lost an icon and a gem,” Ogunniyi declared.
Chief Banji Olawoyin, also known as the Bobajiro of Offa, was widely celebrated for his enduring goodwill, political insight, and selfless service to the community.
