On Thursday 26th November, 2020, popular Lagos beauty specialist, Enitan Fagbemi-Balogun otherwise known as Enilise and siblings buried their dad late Chief Olubukola Olaseni Fagbemi in Lagos, Nigeria. It was regarded as one of the events that will not be forgotten in a hurry, especially by the people living around Ojodu Abiodun Berger, Lagos. The whole area stood still when his remains was paraded. The turn out of dignitaries who graced the occasion to pay their last respect to a man who many described as a man of honor was very impressive.
Chief Olubukola Bukola Olaseni Fagbemi, was born in Ebute Metta, Lagos on June 26th1944 into the Family of Pa Moses Adedokun Otunla Fagbemi, of Jagba Village in Olorunda Abeokuta and EstherOlushola Fagbemi (Nee Diyaolu). His father was from Ijaiye, Agbole Eyiowu Kurunmi Quarters in Abeokuta, South Local Government Area. His father worked in the Nigeria Railway corporation and retired as a District Engineer (Civil) in 1974. All members of the family were raised in Baptist Faith, however he later joined Celestial Church of Christ Family (CCC). Chief Bukola Olaseni Fagbemi had his Primary education at both Ijero Baptist School, Ebute Metta, Lagos State and St. Patrick Catholic School, Yaba, Lagos then had his secondary education at Baptist Boys’ High School (BBHS), Abeokuta in Ogun State, Nigeria and graduated in 1965 with flying colours. His classmates to mention a few are Dr Sola Adelakun, Chief Alani Bankole, Surv. Banji Akinbanmi and Engr.Funsho Kupolukun, former GMD NNPC.To further his education, he travelled to the United States of America (USA) where he attended St. John University, New York, U.S.A and obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Economics. He continued his education and obtained an MBA in International Finance/Marketing at St. John University, New York, USA. He had his wedding ceremony to his childhood sweetheart Caroline Fagbemi in Brooklyn New York on Oct. 23, 1976. He started his career as a stockbroker and financial Analyst in the USA in 1972. A few years after he was however, recruited in the U.S.A, during the indigenization exercise, hence his return to Nigeria in December 1976. Chief Bukola Fagbemi believed in the future of Nigeria. He started his employment with Capital Trust Stockbrokers Ltd in January 1977. He started his practice here in Nigeria when there were only 3 stock-broking outfits. The stock broking firms then were ICON stockbrokers Ltd, Nigerian stockbrokers Ltd and Capital Trust Stockbrokers Ltd formerly CT Bowring stockbrokers Ltd). He remained a seasoned practitioner until 2008, when he retired as a Fellow of Chartered. Institute of Stockbrokers to venture into other personal businesses (E.g. Rainbow Bar and Lounge), leaving the young minds he had trained to continue in the great stock broking field.
According to Enitan Fagbemi Balogun (Enilise), her father, Chief Olubukola Olaseni Fagbemi was a man of faith, integrity & discipline.”My father was a man of faith, integrity and discipline. He never chased after dreams he couldn’t accomplish, I learnt that from him. He was an open book if you met him for 30minutes he would summarize his life history. I remember times when I encountered difficulties in life generally, all he would tell me is “IBB ask God, he loves you so much you don’t even know it because there is nothing, he can’t do for you, you have to talk to him and he will grant your wishes. Truthfully it surely does work when you pray but with faith no matter how little. Growing up as a busy mum he brought me closer to God and acknowledged why and how God has kept him this far through his life’s journey which is so amazing. He wasn’t perfect, he had enemies, frenemies and dear friends but all he wanted in life was peace with everyone who knew him. I’m super proud I only not took after him in looks but also in tenacity, business etiquette and life achievements. I’m yet to find a man like him who is enviably proud to have 5 daughters and also will re-introduce himself to anyone who cares to listen to him by saying I am Baba Abigirl (father of daughters) with a lovely chuckle. It hasn’t been easy these past weeks for me, it’s been surreal to lose your first love, first boyfriend and also my husband’s rival. My sweet empathetic father Olubukola Olaseni Fagbemi; in my next life, Papa, I will choose you over and over again till the world ends. I love you and I’ll keep making you proud.”
The Funeral rite for Chief Olubukola Olaseni Fagbemi started Service of song, on Thursday 24th, 2020 at Lagos country club, where many of his close associate shared lots of testimonies about the life and time of Chief Olubukola Olaseni Fagbemi. Among his notable and close friends who were present at the venue was Aare Oyefeso, who described the deceased as a man of integrity to the core, who his demise would be missed sorely by the club particularly, the older members of the club whose path crossed his. It was also an emotional moment from the children and grandchildren of the late chief Olubukola Olaseni Fagbemi, literally all of them shed tears when they were called to say few words about the deceased and this brought out tears from many of the guests as well. It simply shows that the man lived a good life and is going to be greatly missed.
The Christian wake keep was held the following day, 25th November at his residence, No 8, Abayomi Talabi Street, Ojodu Abiodun, Berger, Lagos, and it was coordinated by Celestial Church of Christ where Papa was one of its prominent members. We gathered that the number of sympathizers who partook in the service were numerous, as the whole street was filled to the brim. People in the area came out to pay their last respect to a man of honor.
On the 3rd day, which was 26th of November was the grand finale. The proper burial service was conducted at the same place; his residence, before his remains was transported to Atan cemetery where he was finally laid to rest.
It must be noted that LTJ funerals did wonders. As usual, the wave making funeral expert, LTJ Funeral International were outstanding. They made sure everything was in order. Trust their undertakers, they surely know how to impress people with their charismatics, energetic and high-class delivery. Remember, their CEO, Bolanle Okusanya Feyita is one of the leading funeral directors in Nigeria and knows her onions. She is the daughter of the famous MIC boss, Tunji Okusanya who died years back in a plane crash. She started her own funeral business after the death of her father and called it LTJ Funeral International. She was also very much on ground to support Enilise.
– SUNDAY ADIGUN
