Buhari, Tinubu, Osinbajo mourn Ajibola
President Muhammadu Buhari, President-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo have mourned the death of former Attorney General and Minister of Justice Bola Ajibola.
In a statement they all released they praised the late jurist who served as Judge of the International Court of Justice for his service to the nation and the law profession.
Buhari in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Femi Adesina, said 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.
Tinubu in a statement by his Media Aide Tunde Rahman, described the late Ajibola as an “icon of legal profession” and a “patriot”.
“The former Nigeria’s Minister of Justice and leader of the Bar was an eminent statesman and legal icon whose contributions to national progress and development will be written in gold.
“During his earthly sojourn, Prince Ajibola didn’t just serve his country with his gift of extraordinary brilliance as a lawyer, he served the world as a Judge of International Court of Justice in Hague and Member of its Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).
“As ICJ Judge, Justice Ajibola made his mark as one of the brightest legal minds in the world in many decided cases involving state actors across the world. Through his excellent performance, he brought honour and dignity to Nigeria.
“In his later years, he devoted himself to the promotion of Islam and expansion of the frontier of knowledge through training and development of cutting-edge manpower for national growth with the establishment of Crescent University in Abeokuta, his home-town.
“Prince Ajibola will be remembered for his patriotism and love for Nigeria and his countrymen and women regardless of their ethnic origin or religious persuasions.
“Although we had hoped and prayed that Prince Ajibola would still be around with us for a little more time to witness the dawn of a new era of renewed hope for our people in a better, stronger, more secure and more prosperous Nigeria, however, we thank Almighty Allah that he lived to an advanced age and left behind important legacies,” Tinubu said.
Osinbajo who paid a visit to the family, described himself as the first son of the deceased. he praised the late Ajibola for his believe in Nigeria.
Osinbajo had worked with the late Ajibola between 1988 to 1992 while he was AG.
“Prince Bola Ajibola was someone I worked with as a special adviser when he was federal attorney general and one thing he demonstrated was his believe for Nigeria, and that one could serve in the public domain with integrity.
“I am sad that he is no more. As Segun, his first born, has said that I am actually his first born. It’s a great honor that I know him and he mentored me,” the VP said.
