Chief (Dr) L.A. Gbadamosi: 10 yrs after a ‘god of Philanthropy'

Chief (Dr) L.A. Gbadamosi: 10 yrs after a ‘god of Philanthropy’

Jeremiah OYELEKE

Chief (Dr) Ladiji Abidemi Gbadamosi MON died 10 years ago in Ogbomoso at the age of 80 years. His transition, which came a little over a month after the death of a similar icon Chief Sunday Adewusi (a former Inspector General of Police), also an illustrious son of Ogbomosoland, created a shockwave in the land. His ardent patriotism towards his birthplace, Ogbomoso, and more importantly his uncommon philanthropic gesture, put him ahead. In a special edition in the print version of this medium during his burial in May 2016, he was described as a “god of philanthropy.”

Chief Gbadamosi, who was Ajebamidele of Ogbomosoland (conferred on him in the 1980s by late Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, the Soun of Ogbomosoland), gave without restrictions and discriminations, some which were unveiled during testimonies at his burial, his eleemosynary activities knew no bounds. He played crucial role in establishment of Bowen University, Iwo, and its teaching hospital in Ogbomoso (BUTH); donated handsomely towards the construction of Baptist Beulah Centre, Ogbomoso; rendered financial assistance when the inner roads of The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary Ogbomoso were being constructed; among others.

He made huge imprints in the sands of Ogbomoso that have immortalized him. The introductory part of The Insight’s special edition for his burial, reads: “Chief (Dr.) Ladiji Abidemi Gbadamosi MON. Brilliant, focused, a crackerjack banker, a transcendent investor, astute manager, master of his situations. An admirable and affable grandee, borne obsessively always by an overwhelming desire to unbolt his treasure vault to affect mankind – fiscally burdened people and bodies/institutions – with pecuniary respite, he brought succour with his personal fortune to countless beneficiaries, his eleemosynary activities knew no bounds. To him, philanthropy is an impulse; an obligation. A banker through and through, he poured out his youthful energies and devotion into the service of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc from when it was Barclays Bank, he climbed the career ladder with poise, he rose from the lowest rungs to the zenith, crowning a splendid career with an appointment into the bank’s board as a director. Well-grounded in finance expertise, an outstanding entrepreneur with the proverbial Midas touch, who mustered an enormous influence, he hobnobbed with the men in power in his halcyon days. A job provider, a mediator, an unswerving patriot; a man of nerve, of wit, who courted life with self-assurance. As president of Ogbomoso Parapo Worldwide his fecund mind spawned noble ideas and ideals to reposition the socio-cultural organization. A hero of the time, a Prince of Peace. god of philanthropy. Chief (Dr.) Ladiji Abidemi Gbadamosi.”

That encapsulates his life. He is a City Father who will forever be fondly remembered.

Remembrance service

The family held a remembrance service in his honour Sunday, March 1, at Masifa Baptist Church Masifa, Ogbomoso, attended by many dignitaries including the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye; Barrister Dapo Atanda; Mama Olori Olaronke Oyewumi wife of immediate past Soun Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III JP CON CFR); wife of immediate past Alayede Oba Solademi Adewuyi, Olori Adewuyi; Chief Debo Omotoso, Chairman/CEO Bond Chemicals Awe (a bosom friend of late Chief Gbadamosi); Aresapa of Iresaapa, Oba Moses Olayiwola Ajiboye; Aale of Okelerin Oba Babatunde Amao; High Chief Dr. Saka Balogun and High Chief Felix Adelakun. Also in attendance were High Chief Solomon Olayiwola Oladapo (the Jagun Onpetu), High Chief Olaniyi Olaoye (Are Ago Onpetu), and Sir High Chief Olatunde Okelana (Balogun Olugbon), all joining the family to celebrate a life of legacy.

At the service, a profound sermon was delivered by Rev’d I. A. Adetola, titled, “Ogun Rere” (A good legacy). Drawing from Proverbs 13:22, the cleric emphasized that a “good man” is one who is intentionally thoughtful about those coming after him. He noted that while material wealth is good, a “Spiritual legacy” is what truly sustains a lineage. Referencing Deuteronomy 4:9-10, he urged parents to ensure their children know God from their own personal examples.

Rev’d Adetola’s message also spoke on the importance of “Moral legacy,” the necessity of building character in children alongside education; of parents maintaining their own well-being; and the need for honest communication within the home. He warned that “if you don’t have good character, your reputation is just a mask that will slip,” reminding the congregation that we eventually reap what we sow.

Prophet Oresanya (from Ijebu, Ogun state), in a chat with ogbomosoinsightonline.com, described Baba Gbadamosi as a powerful yet remarkably accommodating man. He lauded Baba’s exemplary lifestyle as a model for others to follow, stating that “everyone should emulate Baba Gbadamosi.”

PHOTOS FROM THR REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY