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 but to respect rule of law.

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

Fagbemi spoke 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.”

The AGF, who emphasised his role in government, said he is neutral on the matter and stressed the importance of the judicial process. He stated that he’s a man of integrity, great learning and fair-mindedness.

“In the Ministry of Justice, the records are there. They are seen by many trophies I have won in terms of law reform and giving advice to the authorities, even when the advice didn’t go down well,” he said. 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 emulate Ajibola as a model of professionalism and service. “Every lawyer must aspire to emulate great leaders to stand out,” he declared.

In his opening remarks, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, described the late jurist as a man of faith, humor, generosity, and ambition, as he shared a decades-long friendship with him.

Also, the former Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), lauded the late Justice Ajibola, describing him as “a rare gem of integrity and public service.” Osnibajo in his keynote address, reflected on Justice Ajibola’s towering achievements and described the book as “a legacy of wisdom left behind to guide future generations.”

Former Minister of Works, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) described the late Ajibola as “a giant of many parts” whose legacy in law, education, leadership, and public service remains indelible.

He recalled his personal admiration for Ajibola during his days as a young law student in the 1980s, calling the late jurist a “role model” for aspiring legal minds.

Fashola recounted a pivotal episode from Ajibola’s student days in London, when the Nigerian government proposed the establishment of a Nigerian Law School.

“Ajibola had led a strong opposition against the move, arguing that it was unjust for Nigerian law graduates trained in the UK to be subjected to additional local qualification hurdles.

“How ironic that he was once a fierce opponent of the school and yet ended up nurturing its future,” he added.