By Yetunde Ayobami Ojo

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, (SAN), has cautioned Nigerians against public commentary, especially on sensitive constitutional issues.

He urged Nigerians to refrain from making emotional or partisan comments on the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, as he said people should allow the courts to do their job.

Fagbemi disclosed this while responding to questions about the crisis in Rivers State during the official presentation of Ajibola’s autobiography titled, “Tribulations and Trophies: Bola Ajibola in His Own Words.

He said, “When issues come up, it should not be a matter of emotion or sentiment but what the law is and what will benefit the system.”

Dignitaries, members of the legal community, family, and friends gathered to celebrate the life and enduring legacy of the late jurist.

The AGF, who emphasised his role in government, clarified his neutral stance on the matter and stressed the importance of the judicial process.

According to him, he’s a man of integrity, a man of great learning, and always very fair-minded. He will always tell the truth, “as far as I’m concerned, and I have instances where he demonstrated this. That’s what puts him in a good state.

“In the Ministry of Justice, the records are there of the many trophies he has won in terms of law reform and giving advice to the authorities, even when the advice didn’t go down well.”

He also praised Ajibola’s international standing, noting his service at the International Court of Justice and his influence across religious, legal, and social sectors.

The AGF therefore called on young lawyers to look to Ajibola as a model of professionalism and service. “Every lawyer must aspire to emulate great leaders and he stands out.

In his opening remarks, former President Olusegun Obasanjo recalled his childhood with Justice Bola Ajibola in Owu, Ogun State, and the deep bond forged through school, community, and mutual respect.

Obasanjo described the late jurist as a man of faith, humor, generosity, and ambition, as he shared a decades-long friendship with Ajibola.

Also, the former Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), lauded the late Justice Bola Ajibola, describing him as “a rare gem of integrity and public service,”.

Osibajo, in his keynote address, reflected on Justice Ajibola’s towering achievements and described the book as “a civic tax paid in full a legacy of wisdom left behind to guide future generations.

Osinbajo highlighted Ajibola’s role in the revision of Nigerian laws, publishing 40 volumes in 1990, and the first such update since independence.