Odewabi, ARFESPON Lagos Chairman, dies at 75

The pension sector has lost one of its prominent pensioners’ group leaders, Chief Olufemi James Odewabi, aged 75 years.

Odewabi was the Chairman Association of Retired Federal Senior Public Officers of Nigeria (ARFESPON) Lagos Chapter.

ARFESPON is a prominent body representing senior civil servants particularly those under the Defined Benefit Pension scheme(DBS).

Odewabi, who died on the eve of December 31st, 2025, aside being the chairman of ARFESPON Lagos Chapter, during his life time stood as national spokesperson of the ARFESPON national body using his influence through the media and dialogue with the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate,(PTAD) to fight for the retirement rights of the pensioners in the country. Using his God given persuasive power to influence Federal Government through PTAD he secured security of pensioners through payment of arrears of pension benefits and removal of disparity in the Pension benefit payments.

Odewabi, a retired prominent Nigerian public service administrator and union leader, has been a vocal advocate for the welfare of federal pensioners, particularly those under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) managed by (PTAD).

He has held this leadership position for several years, actively representing senior civil servants, including those from grade level 14 to permanent secretaries and directors.
He is recognised for protesting against the “under-payment” of retirees and demanding that PTAD adopt the salary structure approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

Under his leadership, ARFESPON Lagos has challenged the federal government and PTAD regarding failure to implement Section 173 of the Nigerian Constitution (which requires automatic pension increases alongside worker salary increases).
The 20.4 per cent deduction from the 53.4 per cent pension increase approved in 2010.
The illegal reduction of pension benefits by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP 0and unlawful delisting of pensioners from the payroll.

Early in 2024, Odewabi continued to lead advocacy efforts in Lagos, criticising PTAD for not placing retirees on the correct salary scale despite repeated promises, and terming the situation “pensioners’ lamentation”.

Throughout his life time, he effectively represented retired management-level officers.

A firm believer in adhering to constitutional provisions regarding pension rights, Odewabi during his life time used peaceful and formal protests, media briefings, and engagement with authorities to seek justice for senior officers.

Odewabi has consistently urged the federal government to intervene in the plight of retirees, emphasising that many suffer due to delayed or inadequate payments.
A devoted Christian and a communicating communicant in the Church of Living Faith Agboroko Iba in the Diocese of Lagos SouthWest Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Odewabi till his death continued to profess his faith as a member of body of Christ through Anglican Church despite his health challenges until he answered the call of nature.

Two days before his death, during the visit of his new parish priest, Rev Canon Obadiah Chibuzor, the Vicar in charge of the Anglican Living Faith Chrch, Odewabi expressed his delight to receive from his new priest what later turned to be his last Holy Communion on this earth when he was quoted to tell his priest: “I am happy to collect this Holy Communion today. God I thank you that you gave me this chance to once again partake in your last supper”.

Odewabi was said to have had this discussion with his priest on a Sunday evening while the priest promised to come back to administer another Holy Communion to him on the Thursday of the same week only to get the news of his demise on Tuesday before the appointed Thursday.

According to his family, his burial arrangement is as follows: Tuesday February 10th 2026,service of songs at his residence No 2 Tasmaq Street First Gate bus stop Agboroko Iba Lagos.Friday February 13th, body leaves DC Heavenly Gate to his resident at Odewabi compound Bola Babalalun way behind post office Adenuga Gbangan.

Saturday February 14 th 2026,funeral service and internment at his residence .Reception follows at St Patrick School Field Adenuga Gbongan, Osun State. He is survived by wife, children and grand children.