The matriarch of the famous Agbaje family in Lagos, Mrs. Margaret Olabisi Agbaje, has died.
Aged 91, the deceased was the mother of the popular Lagos politician, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, and the Group Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Mr. Segun Agbaje, as well as grandmother to many.
She died on Wednesday, March 5 in Lagos from symptoms related to age old.
She got married in 1956 to Julius Kosebinu Agbaje, the first indigenous Executive Director of Standard Bank of Nigeria (now First Bank of Nigeria).
Her husband was not only the first indigenous Executive Director of Standard Bank of Nigeria (now First Bank of Nigeria), but he was pioneer Chairman of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc.
Mourning the death, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed his sympathies with Jimi and Segun Agbaje and the entire Agbaje family.
A statement Sunday by Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said the Nigerian President recalled Mrs. Agbaje as a distinguished educator, community leader, and former President of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), Lagos Ecclesiastical Province.
He encouraged the Agbaje family and all who mourn her passing to find solace in their faith and the enduring impact of her well-lived life.
Also, the President joined friends, associates, the Catholic community in Nigeria, and the many students whose lives Mama Agbaje touched in mourning her loss.
He said: “Throughout her illustrious career, Mrs. Agbaje made significant contributions to education.
“She taught mathematics at Holy Child College, Lagos (1953–1959), served at St. Joseph’s Teacher Training College, Surulere (1960-1971), and led as the Headmistress of St. Catherine’s Model School, Surulere (1971–1982). Her influence on her students was profound and lasting.
“President Tinubu commends her dedication to education and nation-building, recognising her as a beacon of teaching, learning, and discipline.
““He lauds her enduring legacy as a mother and leader, which continues to thrive in those she mentored to success, including her distinguished children and others who excelled in their fields.
“ “Mama Agbaje’s life was a testament to kindness, humility, and unwavering dedication to education. To her students, her greatest fulfilment was seeing their triumphs,” the President remarked.
“Beyond her educational endeavours, Mrs Agbaje was a pillar of strength within the Catholic community. She served with distinction as President of the CWO, Lagos Ecclesiastical Province, and held key leadership roles in numerous church societies.”
Several mourners have left tributes on an online portal opened in Mama’s memorial.
YEWANDE EPEGA:
Dearest Mama,
She was charming, erudite & principled.
We the Ben-Epegas remember our many chats and her warm welcome to us. Mama was always a “must see” on our trips to Lagos.
Rest in perfect peace cherished Aunty Bisi.
CECILIA YAHAYA:
Mummy and Mama Jimi to close family members lived a dutiful and fulfilled life.She was a devoted mother to her biological children as well as to numerous others that she impacted as a teacher in the schools where she taught and superintended during her active working years.
2.I am her oldest niece and had the privilege of spending part of my growing up years in the Agbaje Household at Apapa and later at V/I.She was kind,loving and accomodating,while also unpretentious and frank.
3.She was a devout Catholic.She was devoted to service to God and the Church. On her 90th birthday,the officiating priest attested to her roles and activities in this regard.During difficult moments,her mantra was to always “let’s pray about it”
4.I will treasure our last moments together which was on the 29th January,2025 when i stopped by to find out how she was doing.She was lively as usual and fit.Unfortunately,it was to be our last interaction.
5.May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace,Amen. May God Almighty grant the entire family the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss
HILDA EGBOH:
Mrs Agbaje has been a part of my life for almost all my life as I knew her from the age of 4.
She was a mother, mentor, teacher but most importantly a true life coach. She taught you lessons by letting you experience them and thus making your own decisions but always with guidance.
She will be missed by all of us who were her pupils at St. Catherine’s Model School..
Rest in perfect peace
OLALEKAN AKINOLA:
Mrs Agbaje, was the one who shaped my formative years outside my home. She will forever be remembered in our hearts. Rest in Peace Mama
