Makinde, Ajimobi, Akintola, Bamidele mourn Akinjide

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A torrent of condolence messages were still pouring in for the family of the Ibadan-born Second Republic Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Chief Richard Akintola, as prominent Nigerians have described the deceased in glowing terms.

Among the eminent Nigerians were Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, his predecessor, Senator Ajimobi Ajimobi and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Adeniyi Akintola.

Makinde described the demise of Akinjide (SAN) as the end of an era and a huge loss to Oyo State, the legal profession, the Federal Republic of Nigeria and indeed, the world at large.

The governor, who also described the demise as the loss of a gem and a shining light, said that he was saddened by the demise of the foremost legal luminary.

Makinde, in a condolence message made available through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, described Akinjide as a legal luminary who served his state and country to the best of his ability.

He maintained that the former minister’s death came at a period that his wealth of experience and robust versatility in history, politics and law were needed to offer direction to the current generation of Nigerian leaders.

In his condolence, Ajimobi said Akinjide was a pride of Ibadan land.

In a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan by his Media Adviser, Mr. Tunji Bolaji, the former Oyo State Governor said: “I received with great sadness the transition of a legal luminary and an illustrious son of Ibadanland, Chief Richard Osuolale Akinjide.”

In his tribute, Chief Adeniyi Akintola said Akinjide was last man standing.

Speaking with The Guardian in Ibadan, Akintola said Akinjide’s wisdom and experience could not be quantified.

He said Chief Akinjide was a father, model and leader.

Meanwhile, in the words of Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Opeyemi Bamidele, Nigeria has lost a legendary and exceedingly cerebral legal luminary.

In a statement yesterday by his media office in Abuja, Bamidele described Akinjide as a global figure in the Temple of Justice.