Tribute to my beloved benefactor: Justice Nurudeen Adekola, by Islamiyat Abdukadir
This morning, I received the devastating news of the passing of Justice Nurudeen Adekola, a man I fondly called “Daddy.” As a retired Chief Judge in Ibadan, he was renowned for his fairness, impartiality, and commitment to upholding the truth. His exemplary behavior earned him a National Honour of the Order of the Federal Republic presented to him by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012.
Personally, my heart is heavy with grief, and I struggle to put my thoughts down to words. However, I take solace in the fact that he lived a great and extraordinary life. Justice Adekola lived a life of emulation, piety, and humility. He was kind, generous, patient, humble, and most importantly loving.
After my parents’ death, Justice Adekola did not only accept me when Mummy (his wife- Mama Adini of Yoruba Land, Alhaja Sekinah Adekola) brought me home but he also took me as a daughter and provided me all what a father could give his child. Daddy fed me, gave me shelter, protected me and supported me in all aspects. His support knew no bounds, and I am forever grateful to him.
One of the many instances that stands out in my mind was after my graduation and return from Sudan; Daddy ensured I was comfortable as I integrated backbinto the Nigeria system. As part of his concerns, he ensured that his driver took me to anywhere I was going; his driver drove me to work (to and fro) every blessed day for close to a year. And even after I got my car (definitely with a huge support from him); he still preferred that I should be driven around. This was the same car of mine that I desperately wanted to sell in 2019 simply because I was broke. Only for daddy to offer to give me the equivalent of the amount I was going to sell it. He did that to prevent me from selling my property. How else could a father be supportive and selfless towards his child.
There is no time I ran to Daddy without getting his listening ears. He would offer his shoulders to me to lean on. To me, this is what Islam required of its adherents and these attributes of his is why I am certain that Allah took him at a time when He is pleased with him.
Daddy I will miss you, I will miss your advice, your words of encouragement, your laughter and importantly the pleasant memories we shared. Thank you for accepting me, thank you for being the father I never had, thank you for the selfless love you had towards me, thank you for all the morals you instilled in me. Even in death, I am filled with gratitude for the impact you had in my life.
Your legacies will continue to live through me and countless others whose lives you have touched. I promise to honor your memory by emulating the remarkable qualities you embodied.
Farewell, dear Justice Nurudeen Adekola (OFR). May Almighty Allah grant you eternal peace and the highest of paradise (Firdaus).
REST IN PEACE SIR.
