Victor EzejaPresident Muhammadu Buhari has extolled the qualities of former Nigerian Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Bola Ajibola, SAN, who passed on at the age of 89.
The death of the Ajibola, who is also a former judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), was announced on Sunday in a statement released by his elderst son, Seun Ajibola in Abeokuta.
In a statement released on Sunday by his spokesperson, Femi Adesina, President Buhari who condoled with the family of the late eminent jurist, the legal community in Nigeria and worldwide, noted that Ajibola used his God given knowledge, intellect and talent to advocate justice, fairness and equity in all his undertakings within and outside the country.
The legendary arbitrator was at different times, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (1984-1985), President, The World Association of Judges, Chairman, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria and President, World Bank Administrative Tribunal among other notable accomplishments.
President Buhari remarked that the late Ajibola, having risen to the pinnacle of his career, took his brilliance in law practice to the International Court of Justice at The Hague, where he served meritoriously between 1991 and 1994.
He was also the Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, 1999 to 2002.
“His contributions to the development of our legal system cannot be overstated, serving as the Attorney General and Minister for Justice at a critical period in the nation’s history. His patriotic inclinations, integrity and passion for service and advancement of humanity will continue to resonate after him,” Buhari said.
President Buhari also sympathised with the government and people of Ogun State as they mourn this illustrious citizen for the educational and social development he brought to his community and environs.
He prayed that the Almighty will grant him eternal rest.
On his part, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the death of Ajibola as a big loss to the legal profession, the education sector, Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.
In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile on Sunday, Sanwo-Olu commiserated with the family, his community, Owu Kingdom and the governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
He noted that Ajibola was a seasoned administrator and philanthropist who served his country and the world meritoriously at different levels, adding that his elderly and wise will be sorely missed.
Sanwo-Olu commended the ex-ICJ Judge for his legacies, sacrifice and dedication to nation-building, especially his contribution to the education sector as the founder of one of the foremost private universities in Nigeria, Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The statement read: “On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I want to express my sincere condolences to the family, friends and associates of Prince Bola Ajibola on the demise of our elder statesman and renowned jurist.
“Prince Ajibola lived a fulfilled life having made positive impacts during his lifetime. The elderly and wise counsel of the jurist will be sorely missed not only by his family butthe entire people of Owu Kingdom and Ogun State where he played active roles in its development for many years before he passed on.
“I want to urge the late Prince Bola Ajibola’s family, friends, judiciary and education sectors and the entirepeople of Owu Kingdom to immortalise the good name of the late lawyer and educationist.
“I pray that God will grant himeternal rest and give his immediate family, friends and the people of Ogun State, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
Follow Us