Prominent Nigerians including President Muhammadu Buhari, and Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu have continued to mourn former World Court judge, the late Prince Bola Ajibola SAN who died on Sunday morning at the age of 89.
The late Prince Ajibola was a former Attorney General of the Federation during the Gen Ibrahim Babangida military junta, and a former President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
In a release signed by Mr Femi Adesina, Senior Special Adviser(Media) to the President, Buhari described the late Ajibola as an outstanding lawyer and eminent jurist who used his God given knowledge, intellect, and talent to advocate for justice, fairness and equity in all his undertakings within and outside Nigeria.
Buhari averred 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,” the President said.
President Buhari also sympathises 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 Aljannah.
In the same vein, Mr Sanwo-Olu, described Prince Ajibola’s death 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, Mr. Gboyega Akosile on Sunday, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the ex-ICJ Judge for his legacies, sacrifice and dedication to nation-building and service to mankind.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also praised Prince Ajibola’s contribution to the judiciary and education sectors as a lawyer, World Court Judge and founder of one of the foremost private universities in Nigeria, Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The governor commiserated with Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and the entire people of the State, especially, indigenes of Owu Kingdom, on the demise of their illustrious son and elder statesman.
He said: “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 but the 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 entire people of Owu Kingdom to immortalise the good name of the late lawyer and educationist.
“I pray that God will grant him eternal rest and give his immediate family, friends and the people of Ogun State, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
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