Obasanjo mourns late Justice Ayoola, eulogises his legacy

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, the former Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), who passed away at the age of 90.

In a condolence letter addressed to the Ayoola family, Obasanjo, who appointed Justice Ayoola as ICPC Chairman during his presidency, praised the late jurist for his outstanding contributions to the nation and his unwavering commitment to justice and public service. The letter, released by Obasanjo’s Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, was sent from Congo Brazzaville, where Obasanjo received the news of Ayoola’s death with “jarring shock.”

Obasanjo highlighted Justice Ayoola’s esteemed reputation, describing him as a man of honour and dignity who left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s judicial landscape. “Although I am deeply saddened to hear of his transition, I am comforted by the knowledge that he lived a full, productive, and useful life of service and devotion to his community, state, and nation, as well as to humanity,” Obasanjo wrote.

Reflecting on Ayoola’s distinguished career, Obasanjo noted that the late jurist held several high-profile positions, including Judge of the High Court of Western Nigeria, Chief Justice of The Gambia, and Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, before retiring in 2003. “In all of these positions, Justice Ayoola earned the respect and confidence of Nigerians and non-Nigerians by dint of hard work, professional excellence, devotion to duty, and resourcefulness,” Obasanjo remarked.

He also recalled Ayoola’s role in leading the National Human Rights Commission and his subsequent appointment as Chairman of the ICPC, where he was tasked with combating corruption in Nigeria. “Justice Ayoola was one genuine patriot who radiated dominantly within our national space and beyond. He was a distinguished Nigerian, an icon, a paragon of rightness and rectitude, whose life was devoted entirely to the service of his nation,” Obasanjo stated.

Obasanjo further commended Ayoola’s humility, honesty, and integrity, noting that his legacy would endure in the minds and hearts of those who knew him. “His name will live forever in the minds and hearts of those who experienced his warmth, generosity, and guidance,” he added.

Justice Ayoola’s passing marks the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most respected legal minds, whose career spanned several decades and whose contributions to the judiciary and public service have left a lasting impact on the nation.