AFAM OSIGWE MOURNS FAROUNBI, EX NBA IKEJA CHAIR

NEWS RELEASE

MAZI AFAM OSIGWE, SAN, MOURNS THE DEATH OF MR. YINKA FAROUNBI, FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION, IKEJA BRANCH

I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Yinka Farounbi, the former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Ikeja Branch from 2014 to 2016. He was a dedicated leader and his contributions will be remembered by all.

During his tenure, Yinka Farounbi demonstrated unwavering dedication to the principles of justice, equity, and the rule of law. His leadership was marked by an unyielding commitment to upholding the highest standards of the legal profession, and he served as an exemplary role model for all members of the branch.

His leadership, contributions and influence extended far beyond his years as Chairman. He was a mentor and guide to many young lawyers, offering them invaluable insights and support as they embarked on their legal careers. His passion for the law and his willingness to share his knowledge enriched the legal landscape, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.

In addition to his professional achievements, he was known for his warmth and affable nature. He was a kind and compassionate man , always ready to extend a helping hand to those in need. His presence at branch events and gatherings was a source of inspiration and camaraderie for all who had the privilege of knowing him.

As we mourn the loss of Yinka Farounbi, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. His departure leaves a void in our legal community that cannot be filled, but we will forever cherish the memories of his dedicated service, his wisdom, and his friendship.

In honor of his memory, let us recommit ourselves to the principles of justice and integrity that he held dear. May his legacy inspire us to continue the noble work of upholding the law and advocating for justice.

Rest in peace, Yinka Farounbi, and thank you for your unwavering service to the Nigerian Bar Association, particularly NBA Ikeja Branch. Your contributions will forever be remembered and celebrated.

MAZI AFAM OSIGWE, SAN

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LAW SCHOOL 1995 SET MOURNS PROF. AKANBI

The Nigeria Law School 1995 Call Set has commiserated with the family of their classmate, Prof. Muhammed Mustapha-Akanbi SAN on the passing of the legal scholar.

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, the Class President, Cordelia Uwuma Eke, described Akanbi as “one of the founding members of the Nigeria Law School 1995 Call Set. He was popularly called MM by many of his class mates.”

Continuing, Eke who is also the Secretary to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Electoral Reform Committee, stated that the law teacher and former Vice Chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU) “will be remembered for his humility, gentle disposition, smooth and cordial relationship with his Call mates, commitment to the Association and much more.”

Concluding, Eke declared that Akanbi “was indeed an Achiever and will be greatly missed by us,” adding: “We condole with his family, relatives and close associates, and pray God to grant his soul eternal rest.”

In a flyer sighted by CITY LAWYER, the Class had stated that “The Nigerian Law School 1995 Call Set (NLS 1995) mourns the sad and painful demise of its very noble and distinguished member, Prof. Muhammed Mustapha-Akanbi SAN, on Sunday, 20th November, 2022. Until his death, Prof. was the Vice Chancellor of Kwara State University. His remains will be laid to rest according to Muslim rites.” Akabi was interred last Monday in Ilorin, Kwara State.

He served as a Legal Assistant in the Legal Unit of the Central Bank of Nigeria in Lagos. He practiced in the Law Firms of Wole Bamgbala & Co, Lagos, Olawoyin and Olawoyin, Lagos and Ayodele, ‘Gafar & Co, Ilorin between 1996 and 1998.

In 1998, Akanbi proceeded to the University of Lagos, Akoka where he bagged a Masters Degree in Law (LLM) and obtained a Doctorate Degree in Law (Ph.D.) from the King’s College, University, London in 2006.

In August 1998, Akanbi joined the service of University of Ilorin as the Lecturer 2 in the Department of Business Law at the University’s Faculty of Law. In his over two decades career period at the University Prof. Akanbi held several administrative positions, chief of which were; Sub-Dean, Head of Business Law Department, Postgraduate Representative, Senate Member, Dean of Law, Deputy Director of the Centre for Research Development and In-House Training (CREDIT) and Director, School of Preliminary Studies, Fufu Campus, University of Ilorin, he rose through the ranks and was appointed a Professor of Law in the Department of Business Law in October, 2012.

Akanbi also served as the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ilorin Branch between 2007 and 2009. He was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2018.

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‘OGAGA GAVE HIS ALL TO THE BAR,’ SAYS NBA

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has mourned the death of the Secretary of its Welfare Committee, Mr. Ogaga Emoghwanre who died yesterday in Warri, Delta State.

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, the association described the deceased as “an amiable fellow and a consummate Bar man who gave his all to the Bar and the legal profession.”

Signed by the NBA Publicity Secretary, Dr. Rapulu Nduka, the statement added that “The news of his death has been devastating not only for the leadership and members of the NBA, but also for his wife, three kids and other family members whom he left behind.”

The NBA stated that it is liaising with his family regarding his funeral plans, adding that it “will keep our members apprised of developments. In the interim, we urge our members to pray for the repose his soul and allow members of his family time to gradually heal from this irreparable loss.”

Below is the full text of the statement.

THE NBA MOURNS THE TRAGIC LOSS OF MR. OGAGA EMOGHWANRE

Dear Colleagues,

As many of you may be aware, yesterday, the 10th of August 2022, we lost one of our members – Mr. Ogaga Emoghwanre – to the cold hands of death.

Until his demise, Ogaga was a member of the Benin Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (“NBA”) who served the NBA at different levels and in various capacities including most recently as a member of the National Executive Council, the Secretary of the NBA Welfare Committee and as a Special Assistant to the NBA President. More importantly, he was a friend and worthy colleague to many of us.

Many who came across or had any dealings with Ogaga would attest that he was an amiable fellow and a consummate Bar man who gave his all to the Bar and the legal profession. The news of his death has been devastating not only for the leadership and members of the NBA, but also for his wife, three kids and other family members whom he left behind.

The NBA is currently liaising with his family regarding his funeral plans and will keep our members apprised of developments. In the interim, we urge our members to pray for the repose his soul and allow members of his family time to gradually heal from this irreparable loss.

May the soul of our dear friend and colleague, Ogaga Emoghwanre rest in perfect peace.

Dr. Rapulu Nduka
Publicity Secretary,
Nigerian Bar Association

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BOSAN, CHIEF JUDGE MOURN, AS LUCIUS NWOSU GOES HOME FRIDAY

The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) and Chief Judge of Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho were among leaders of the Bar and Bench who paid glowing tributes to foremost environmental law expert, Late Lucius Ezeaka Nwosu at a valedictory session held in his honour in Abuja.

Tsoho described Nwosu as “one of the finest Senior Advocates of his generation,” adding that the valedictory session was “an opportunity to express with clarity and warmth, how the late SAN was genuinely respected at the Bar and in all of his dealings with the Court. Therefore we count it as an honour to celebrate his lifetime and practice.”

The chief judge noted that until his death, “the distinguished late Silk had applied his perseverance, doggedness and dexterity in offering excellent legal services to his numerous clients, which comprised more of the Niger-Delta Communities. He was a fighter for human rights, the legal warrior of the Niger-Delta Communities and he will be remembered for easing the liability that comes with engaging the services of a lawyer with his clients.”

Saying that Nwosu “defended the financially and politically powerless whenever their rights were trampled upon,” Justice Tsoho stated that the late litigator was “a fierce environmental campaigner and activist through litigation,” adding that “Those he litigated against dreaded and labelled him ‘Lucifer Nwosu’ but the beneficiaries actually adored him.”

On its part, BOSAN in a tribute delivered by former Attorney General & Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi SAN stated that “A time will never come when we shall forget the prowess of Lucius Nwosu. You witnessed yourselves the exploits of this remarkable man. The commendations that we bestow on him are a tribute to our profession. He is therefore entitled to our gratitude. He was a well-educated man, reared and trained in strict self-discipline. Whoever reared him, reared him well.”

According to BOSAN, “To deal with the achievements of Lucius Nwosu as a whole is something that we cannot now attempt in the short time available to us,” adding that “In his devotion to our profession Lucius Nwosu neglected himself.”

The body of senior lawyers stated that “The best tribute we can pay to him is to endeavour to realize our talents as he realized his and use them for the benefit of mankind as he used his. Lucius Nwosu was that man to whom the Lord gave five talents and who when he rendered his account the Lord commended him saying: ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant.’ ”

BOSAN described him as a “great man” and a “man of high character,” saying that “Lucius Nwosu was a selfless man. He was a brilliant man. He did not know how to relent. He was a man of defiant spirit. The grave cannot hold such a man down. We are witnesses to the trials and temptations that he had to contend with. We are witnesses to the many difficulties he had to overcome. We are witnesses to all the dangers that he had to avoid. He worked harder than a slave but it was the Lord that he served. He had to overcome many difficulties. He had to avoid many dangers and strive on so that on this day when he gives account of his stewardship, he can say, as did St. Paul: ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.’ ”

The body urged lawyers to “do our work with all the passion, energy and sincerity that we can summon” notwithstanding that the legal profession has “come under suspicion of aiding and facilitating the collapse of the nation.”

Turning to the judiciary, BOSAN said: “As for you judges and justices, we thank you for your sacrifices. The fault is not yours that the nation continues to languish in violence and uncertainty. It is in spite of all your sacrifices. Do not despair. It shall be well. We have hope.”

It concluded that “Lucius is not dead. Though he failed to achieve old age, he has achieved a fame which knows no age. He has now been released from sickness and grief and from all the other sorrows and anxieties that attend our lives.”

The foremost senior lawyer will be buried on Friday at Udo Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government of Imo State.

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TAIDI MOURNS, AS GUY IKOKWU GOES HOME TODAY

Immediate past Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary, Mr. Jonathan Gunu Taidi has described deceased senior lawyer, Chief Guy Ikokwu as “a prominent legal practitioner, past President of Otu Oka-Iwu Lagos, Bar Leader and member of Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association,” saying that he lived an impactful life.

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, Taidi who is believed to be eyeing the post of NBA Presidency at the forthcoming NBA National Officers Elections, said that he received with “shock” the news of the passing of Ikokwu and recalled “the passion with which he followed up on issues affecting the well-being of Members of Otu Oka-Iwu in particular and those who sought his intervention generally.

“His death is a painful loss to his immediate family, Otu Oka-Iwu community and the Lagos Branch of the NBA.

“We all must be comforted by the fact that he lived an impactful and fulfilling life, and may God comfort his family, colleagues and friends while granting his soul eternal rest.”

Ikokwu will be buried today in his home town Oba in Anambra State.

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SAN AWARDS: ‘PROF. TORIOLA OYEWO IS A CEREBRAL LAWYER,’ SAYS EX A-G

In this moving tribute, former Oyo State Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Mutalubi Ojo Adebayo goes down memory lane and submits that the coveted rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) could not have been bestowed on a more endearing and deserving person than 91-year-old Professor (Chief) Toriola Ajagbe Oyewo 

In my early years at the Bar, precisely in 1995, I was doing my pupillage in the commercial law firm of Dele Akinmusuti & Co, then situated at 23, Mogaji Are Street, Off Ring Road , Ibadan, Oyo State of Nigeria.

A notable client of the law firm referred a brief to me and I was paid a very handsome professional fee which was then the equivalent of my 7 (seven) months salary . I put in my very best into the drafting of the certorari process that I filed before the High Court of Justice, Ibadan.

The person who referred the case and the client to me is a very wealthy client who had confided in me that the client was a very dear side-kick of his and that I must do all within my capacity to render useless and ineffectual the kangaroo customary court judgement obtained by her landlord to eject her from a coded property he got for the pretty damsel at Iyaganku GRA in Ibadan. The case financier also warned me that my Principal who is his friend must not know about the relationship between him and the beautiful client. That I so much understood because Mr. Dele Akinmusuti is a born-again Christian who will not tolerate such unholy escapade.

Faithfully, I kept that secret pact because the brief was very fat.

Professor Toriola Oyewo represented the party interested/respondent, the landlord in the case which was assigned to Hon. Justice John Olagoke Ige, of blessed memory. My Lord Ige was one of the finest Judges that had presided on the very rich and resourceful judiciary of Oyo State which bench is unarguably the best in the whole federation till date.

After we were granted leave to quash the judgement of the inferior court and the order of court together with the motion on notice was served on the landlord, the services of Professor Oyewo was retained to represent my Client’s adversary .

We were served with a counter-affidavit and we promptly responded by way of further affidavit.

On the 14th day that the matter was to be heard, Professor Oyewo applied to withdraw his counter-affidavit and same was struck out without any opposition by me. The court asked me to move my certiorari application , which I did and I also addressed the court extensively by citing several decided authorities in support of client’s case. That period was good years of oral advocacy because the present front-loading system of written addresses were not in use then.

“Besides being a cerebral and brilliant legal practitioner, he is an erudite teacher and a repository of political history, economics, localities, events and people. Professor Oyewo is also a first class Socialite who, till today, enjoys life to the fullest. The grace of God in his life is manifest in his good look and his good health. At 91 years of age, he still drives himself around till date. His memory of cases, history and anything under the sun is superb and second to none.”

When it got to the turn of Professor Oyewo, the learned Senior counsel informed the court, expectedly, that he was replying on points of law only. He attacked my case from the angle that the judgement of the inferior court could not be quashed by the high court on the ground of lack of jurisdiction upon which our case was not apparent on the face of the record of the customary court. The erudite Professor submitted further that the court could not take judicial notice that Iyaganku GRA is within the 10km radius of Mapo in the absence of expert evidence to that effect and that it is not a matter of assumption or conjecture by the court.

Mapo in Ibadan is accepted to be the centre of Ibadan and any property within its 10 kilometres radius is held to be within the urban area of Ibadan. Prof. Oyewo asked the Judge rhetorically if the court would allow me to turn My Lord into a land surveyor overnight. Furthermore, that I did not exhibit my Client’s rent receipt for the court to be satisfied and convinced that the rental value of the property was outside the jurisdiction of the customary court.
The court adjourned the matter for ruling after the addresses of both of us had been taken.

In a well considered ruling delivered by the court, my certiorari application was dismissed as the court agreed entirely with Professor Oyewo. I became devastated the following day when my client and her financier came to meet me in the chambers that the lady had been ejected from the premises by the Bailiffs of the Oke-Are Grade C Customary Court, thus bringing to an abrupt end my fat retainership.

I took the aftermath of the case too personal because I refused to greet or acknowledge the greetings of the eminent Senior counsel whenever we met at any of the numerous clubs that he also frequented. I was always, politely, turning down Prof’s offer, politely though, to pay for my meals and or drinks whenever we met. He was fond of telling me jokingly that my behaviour was strange to both the traditions at the Bar and Ibadanland, yet I didn’t yield my ground due to my youthful exuberance at that time.

There was a thaw in our relationship in 2001 when some colleagues and myself met the learned Professor at a popular restaurant in Basorun, Ibadan. My friends had accompanied me there to woo a lady who had became a nut too hard to crack for me. The lady snubbed us that evening and insulted us to the hearing of Chief. I was more than surprised when Prof beckoned to the lady to come over and told her that she cannot get a better suitor anywhere in Nigeria than this promising and brilliant colleague of his (he referred to me as his colleague). As if we were all dreaming, the lady melted immediately and agreed to follow us to a night club that day. Lo and behold, she did. What followed thereafter is best left for my readers’ imagination.

That singular act endeared me to Professor Oyewo and we became very close thereafter to the extent that he gave me complimentary copies of the numerous books that he wrote and he still does that till date.

Besides being a cerebral and brilliant legal practitioner, he is an erudite teacher and a repository of political history , economics, localities, events and people . Professor Oyewo is also a first class Socialite who, till today, enjoys life to the fullest. The grace of God in his life is manifest in his good look and his good health. At 91 years of age, he still drives himself arround till date. His memory of cases, history and anything under the sun is superb and second to none.

My joy knew no bound when I was asked by Senator Abiola Ajimobi of blessed memory, the former Governor of Oyo to represent him and the state at Prof’s 80th birthday on which occasion that I narrated the story of the case highlighted above for the first time. The learned Professor, his bosom friend, High Chief Akinnola (now of blessed memory), the Lisa of Ondo Kingdom and all the guests at the event rolled in laughter on hearing the account.

Professor has since become a father-figure to me, a mentor, a role model and a great teacher. Chief M.K. Amusan-Awolesu, a big brother to me and one of the bosom friends of Senator Abiola Ajimobi later informed me that Professor Oyewo had been his mentor since his childhood and that no week will pass without Prof personally checking on him and his family till date.

The news of Professor Toriola Oyewo being one of the recipients of the coveted rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria at advanced age of 91 along with my Partner, Kazeem Adekunle Gbadamosi Esq. who, perhaps, was a toddler when Prof was called to the Nigeria Bar, did not come as a surprise to me because Ebenezer Obey had long predicted in one of his evergreen musical albums in the 1970s, https://youtu.be/GOUOJeL4VGI where he sang of Chief that “Eye adaba wa gbe ire wa ko wa o”.

The award to Papa at 91 is the Privileges Committee of giving Prof his due , meritorious and well-deserved honour (ire and eye) in his ripe old age while still alive.

May the good Lord continue to preserve a legal encyclopedia, a quintessential gentleman and a Teacher of Teachers, Professor Toriola Ajagbe Oyewo of the Erunmu fame and a devoted Seventh Day Adventist for us all for many more purposeful years.

Even at 91 years, it is still appropriate for me to greet you Good morning, Professor Toriola Ajagbe Oyewo, SAN-Designate.

Dated this 22nd October, 2021

Mutalubi Ojo Adebayo Esq.
Asiwaju of Ita-Ege & Idi-Aro, Ibadan,
Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oyo State of Nigeria 2011 -2015

Copyright 2020 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag. To ADVERTISE in CITY LAWYER, please email citylawyermag@gmail.com or call 08138380083. The assertions and opinions expressed in articles, announcements and/or news on this website reflect the views of the author(s) and do not (necessarily) reflect the views of the webmaster, the internet provider or CITY LAWYER. CITY LAWYER can in no way whatsoever be held responsible for the content of such views nor can it be held liable for any direct or indirect damage that may arise from such views. CITY LAWYER neither guarantees nor supports any product or service mentioned on this website, nor does it warrant any assertions made by the manufacturers or promoters of such products or services. Users of this website are always recommended to obtain independent information and/or to perform independent research before using the information acquired via this website.

‘LADI ROTIMI-WILLIAMS: A BOSS LIKE NO OTHER’

In this moving tribute, KEHINDE AKEREMALE, ESQ. goes down memory and asserts that Mr. Ladi Rotimi-Williams, the late scion of the legendary Chief FRA Williams QC, SAN was an endearing boss and mentor who had a premonition of his own death.

Our hearts are still heavy but we must thank God for a life of impact that you led for humanity.

I used to call you “the repository of Nigeria history”; and “a legal historian”, for I’m always in awe of your seeming inexhaustible storehouse of diverse knowledge and legal experience. I always admired the way you articulate your legal thinking with clarity and gravitas at the weekly Chambers meetings or be it at case strategy meetings. The “small points” sessions with you at Chambers meetings were always memorable. Chief would often remind us: “know your judge and their background” and at the relevant time, warning us to beware that “fair hearing is an opportunity to be heard; and not an absolute right” or “a magic wand to upset every unfavourable ruling”. We will miss your fatherly presence in particular and how you used to regale us with tales of your legal exploits during your active years. A consummate luminary, cosmopolitan and cultured with class and panache.

A boss of uncommon grace, kindness and compassion. Thank you for a rare privilege of being mentored under your tutelage and unique culture, conceived and nurtured in the best traditions of the Bar, some of which I resent for being too conservative for present day practice. For instance, you declined every move to mount a small name plate on your perimeter fence on Victoria Island as notice of your presence and law practice to the world. Chief’s rich and iconic background of being raised and legally trained by his own father, the legendary Chief FRA Williams, SAN, CFR clearly rubbed off on him. I couldn’t thank you enough for litigation exposure. You were a good boss by every standard, you never discriminated between us and your children in assigning case files or while constituting a legal team to handle a particular case (high profile or otherwise) but did so based on each lawyer’s core competence and unique skill sets. This makes for team cohesion, harmony and the friendly atmosphere in the chambers. I guess you must have had a premonition of your impending departure for barely two months ago, you called me and mooted the idea of your testamentary arrangements and disposition, which assignment I cleverly avoided for I saw it as being too big for me. You gave us the best platform and facilities any lawyer could wish for in practice. You taught us the importance of adequate and timely chambers preparation for court and to always have a back up copy for every court processes so as to outsmart the venality and sharp practices of the system.

Also, your liberality is equally demonstrated by your open library policy. Your library remains open to all chambers alumni, including law school externs; despite that some abuse your generosity by poaching your precious books. I was once there when you called the Chambers book vendor to supply a replacement for a missing book – Gaitley on Libel – since you needed it urgently then, at the cost of N150k only to find the missing copy abandoned inadvertently in one of the lawyers’ offices. My only regret is the wealth of knowledge you took to the grave and my inability to tap enough thereof.

We all knew that once Chief believed in a cause, he would pursue it tenaciously to a logical end without minding whose ox is gored and sometimes even staking his personal liberty in defence of victims of the oppressive system. A voice to the cheated and downtrodden; the oil-spill impacted community of Gbaraun Kingdom whom you tried to save, through a legal tussle with Agip for damages/compensation claims, till your last moment, have been left devastated since the shocking news of your passing broke out. You won the first round of the legal battle for them at the Federal High Court, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, but which case is now languishing on appeal no thanks to our sluggish civil justice system.

Your practice life was particularly distinguished and significant for a number of precedent-setting decisions and milestones, one of which had even inspired a legislative intervention with respect to admissibility of computer generated statement of account under the repealed Evidence Act. See FRN V. FANI KAYODE & 2010, 14 NWLR (Pt.1214). You have contributed your own bit in advancing the frontiers of our civil jurisprudence and development of the law. Now do have a well deserved rest in the Lord, Sir.

Copyright 2020 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag. To ADVERTISE in CITY LAWYER, please email citylawyermag@gmail.com or call 08138380083. The assertions and opinions expressed in articles, announcements and/or news on this website reflect the views of the author(s) and do not (necessarily) reflect the views of the webmaster, the internet provider or CITY LAWYER. CITY LAWYER can in no way whatsoever be held responsible for the content of such views nor can it be held liable for any direct or indirect damage that may arise from such views. CITY LAWYER neither guarantees nor supports any product or service mentioned on this website, nor does it warrant any assertions made by the manufacturers or promoters of such products or services. Users of this website are always recommended to obtain independent information and/or to perform independent research before using the information acquired via this website.

HAUWA: ‘NBA HAS LOST A GREAT LEADER, BRIDGE BUILDER’ – GADZAMA

The Chairman of the Body of Benchers (BoB) Mentoring Committee for Young Lawyers, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN has described the death of factional Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch Chairman, Dr. Hauwa Shekarau as a huge loss to the legal profession.

In a moving tribute by the pioneer Chairman of the NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), he stated that by the demise of the leading gender activist, “the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch and even at the National level, has lost one of its great leaders, one who at the time of her death was justly considered a bridge-builder, a beacon of compassion and a leader extraordinaire.”

According to the statement made available to CITY LAWYER, “The passing of Dr. Hauwa is an incalculable loss to the legal family, the female gender advocacy network, the human rights’ society, Nigeria, and the international community in general.”

Below is the full text of the statement.

TRIBUTE TO DR. HAUWA EVELYN SHEKARAU, ESQ: A LEGAL COLOSSUS, ACTIVIST AND THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION (NBA), ABUJA BRANCH (UNITY BAR).
The 15th September, 2021, was a black-letter day for us at J-K Gadzama LLP. It was the day Dr. Hauwa Evelyn Shekarau said goodbyes and bid forever to us mortals. To say the news of her demise was shocking, sudden and saddening is in the least an understatement. It is a news we bear with such heavy hearts for such is life, very fickle and fleeting in moments! We however take comfort that life is but the sum of choices. This is even truer as vividly illustrated in the style and manner the amiable Dr. Hauwa Shekarau chose to live her life. And indeed she lived. She chose her paths, and purposefully so. And left in her trails, giant strides. She walked the walk of greats. She was an amazon who dined amongst kings and queens and left enduring legacies, to outlive her in the race of time. She travelled down uncharted territories, discovered new discoveries, broke new bounds and conquered. And though stricken with grief, we are solemnly gladdening in the rainbow of sterling performances, capacity-building and ground breaking achievements which coloured the journey of our dearest Dr. Hauwa Evelyn Shekarau, here, in the land of mortal.

Our dearest Dr. Shekarau is a woman of big heart and I feel greatly blessed to have crossed paths with her. She was known in different capacity to different people. From her sojourn as a lawyer and women’s rights activist to being a Sexual & Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) specialist, Dr. Shekarau had exhibited uncommon dexterity, hardwork, and determination in living up to the demands of each office and position.

Very illustrious, is Dr. Shekarau, well over 25 years’ post-call experience in women and child rights advocacy. She was National President of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Nigeria) between 2012 and 2015, served as a board member of several NGOs, and was a nominated delegate to the Nigeria National Conference 2014 as a representative of FIDA, always championing the course of justice in the overall, always a mother, always the voice of the voiceless, always a ready shoulder upon which the rights of women found relevance and overall upliftment.

Until her death, Dr. Shekarau was a “Bar-Woman” through and through. The Nigerian Bar Association has benefitted from her background of rich educational qualification and pool of global experiences as a Chevening Alumnus, having won the British Government Chevening Scholarship in 2006 which prepared her for further educational pursuit to the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) of the University of London in 2007 where she obtained a post-graduate Law Degree in Law and Development.

Dr. Shekarau was Financial Secretary and Treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch from 1997 to 1999 before her election to the exalted position of a chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch in June 2020. Quite notable amongst her many strives is the commitment to fostering unity on the backdrop of the many turbulences in the Unity Bar Branch of Abuja prior to her reign as the NBA Chairperson of the Unity Bar in 2020/2021.

In the death of Dr. Hauwa Shekarau, the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch and even at the National level, has lost one of its great leaders, one who at the time of her death was justly considered a bridge-builder, a beacon of compassion and a leader extraordinaire. The passing of Dr. Hauwa is an incalculable loss to the legal family, the female gender advocacy network, the human rights’ society, Nigeria, and the international community in general.
It is indeed hard to find suitable words to pay tribute to this remarkable woman. It is however fortunate that during her remarkable life, she had the satisfaction of knowing the high esteem in which she was held by her colleagues, especially my humble self.
Rest on.
For your life was a blessing,
Your memory a treasure,
You are loved beyond words,
And missed beyond measure.

JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, OFR, MFR, SAN, FCIArb, C.Arb.
Chairman, Mentoring Committee of the Body of Benchers for Young Lawyers,
Pioneer Chairman, NBA-SPIDEL (2006-2010),
Chairman, NBA, Abuja Branch (2002-2004).

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BREAKING: ANOTHER SENIOR ADVOCATE DIES, MAY BE BURIED TODAY

One of Nigeria’s oldest lawyers, Mr. Mikhail Adisa Bashua (SAN, CON) is dead. He was aged 92 years.

CITY LAWYER gathered that the senior lawyer has been sick lately and passed on today. He is the father of Justice A. J. Bashua of the Lagos State Judiciary among others. 

Mr. Imran Agunbiade who worked with the late sage told CITY LAWYER that “I started my practice with the firm. His son Justice A. J. Bashua called me this morning to inform me. His firm produced Justices K. O. Dawodu and A. J. Bashua.”

There are strong indications that the deceased may be buried today.

Bashua was born into the Bashua Chieftaincy family of Lagos. He was called to the English Bar in 1960 and on his arrival in Nigeria, founded M.A. Bashua & Co., which he registered in 1968. He was enrolled in the Lincoln Inn. Incorporated on 02 August, 1968 his law firm, M. A. BASHUA AND CO celebrated 50 years anniversary in December 2018. The firm commenced operations at No. 45, Iga-Idunganran Street, then known as Reclamation Street, Lagos Island. The office was later moved to its present place at 218, Bamgbose Street, Lagos Island, in 1980. 

He took Silk in 1997 and was elected member of the Federal House of Representatives, Lagos Constituency from 1962 till 1964. He was conferred with the national award, Commander of Order of the Niger (CON) in 2008.

Bashua had while celebrating the firm’s 50th anniversary said: “Young lawyers must be honest and understand the fact that Law is the noblest profession, so, they have to uphold its etiquettes. Upholding the profession’s etiquettes will get you anywhere you want to go. Never allow overburdened interests to becloud you as a lawyer; the client’s interest should always come first.

“Every upcoming lawyer should see this profession as a very interesting one; it should never be seen as a chaotic, problematic and difficult work. Once, as a lawyer, you enjoy what you do, the sky is the limit.”

Speaking on the milestones recorded by the firm, Mr. Aderemi Bashua, its Managing Partner, said: “Its continuous legal practice and consultancy services have been mostly recognised in several ground breaking cases, one of which is the case of Mohammed v. Olawunmi (1990) 2 NWLR (Part 133) R 458 SC. This case, upon the judgment by the Supreme Court, became an authority often cited by lawyers and the Courts.

“The principle of law in that case is when a decision of Court is regarded as a final or interlocutory decision, and, whether a party appealing to an Appellate Court requires leave of Court before appealing against an interlocutory decision of Court.

“The case became a locus classicus on those two issues of law. The Supreme Court agreed with Mr. M. Adisa Bashua ( SAN), CON. that leave of court was necessary.”

In a heart-warming tribute when her father turned 90 years in 2019, Lola Bashua wrote: “My Daddy is 90 years old today!!🎉Happy 90th birthday to my Daddy Mikhail Adisa Bashua(SAN)Senior Advocate Of Nigeria, Commander of the Order of the Niger, The Olori Ebi (head) of the Bashua The Olori Ebi (head) of the Bashua Royal family, The Baba Oba (Father of the King) of Lagos and Baba Oba( Father of the King) of Shomolu. A Harvard school of law graduate at Lincoln’ss Inn, a great philanthropist and yet very humble man.”

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AKINJIDE WAS AN OUTSTANDING LAWYER, SAYS GADZAMA

Bar Leader and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidential candidate, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN) has described late former Attorney-General & Minister of Justice, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) as an “outstanding multi-jurisdictional lawyer” who “contributed monumentally” to the growth and development of the legal profession in Nigeria.

In a statement sent to CITY LAWYER, the pioneer Chairman of the NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) said he was “saddened” by the demise of the former Chairman of Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), adding that Nigeria has lost “one of its finest” legal minds.

The statement reads:

“I was saddened to hear of the death of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minster of Justice, Chief Richard Akinjide, SAN who passed away at the ripe age of 88 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Until his death, he was the Chairman of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN).

“He was an outstanding multi-jurisdictional lawyer called to both the Nigerian and English Bar. As Minister of Education in the first republic and later as Minister of Justice in the second republic, he distinguished himself. No doubt, he was a decent politician who played politics without bitterness.

“Chief Akinjide, SAN contributed monumentally to the growth and development of the legal profession in Nigeria. He was indeed a great achiever who lived a life worthy of emulation. Nigeria has lost one of its finest who will always be fondly remembered for the great legacy he left behind. May his soul rest in peace.”

Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN
Pioneer Chairman, NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law, (SPIDEL)

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USORO, OBI-OKAFOR MOURN OLOWOKURE

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Paul Usoro (SAN) and former NBA presidential candidate, Chief Arthur Obi-Okafor are among the Bar leaders who are mourning the sudden demise of veteran Bar activist and former Chairman of NBA Kaduna Branch, Mr. Olumuyiwa Olowokure.

Popularly known in Bar circles as “OO” in line with his initials, Olowokure was considered by many as a consummate Bar-man and a much-sought-after strategist especially in relation to Bar politics.

During the last NBA Elections, he pitched his tent with Obi-Okafor and was one of his ‘Returning Officers’ during the poll. In particular, he was known for his cerebral disposition and integrity, as his support for any particular candidate never wavered.

In a statement signed by NBA Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kunle Edun, Usoro described Olowokure as “an active bar man who featured prominently in the activities of the Nigerian Bar Association as a former Chairman of NBA Kaduna branch and member of the National Executive Committee of the NBA for several years.”

On his part, Obi-Okafor described Olowokure as “an astute Bar man, a personal friend and confidant.” In his tribute titled “O. O. Olowokure’s Demise: A Good Man Bids Goodbye,” Obi-Okafor said that Olowokure “will be remembered as a detribalized and consummate Bar man with the midas touch.”

Below are the statements by the Bar leaders:

NBA MOURNS THE DEMISE OF QUINTESSENTIAL BAR MAN, OLUMUYIWA OLOWOKURE

Moments ago the sad news of the sudden demise of Olumuyiwa Olowokure Esq reached the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Paul Usoro, SAN and the National Officers. It was shocking and saddening.

Mr. Olowokure was an active bar man who featured prominently in the activities of the Nigerian Bar Association as a former Chairman of NBA Kaduna branch and member of the National Executive Committee of the NBA for several years. He was also the Kaduna State Co-Ordinator of Swift Count. Olumuyiwa Olowokure served the bar in many other capacities and made positive contributions to the development of the bar throughout his more than 3 decades of practice. He contested for the office of the General Secretary of the NBA in 2012.

On behalf of the National Officers, the NBA President condoles with members of the Nigerian Bar Association, particularly the leadership and members of NBA Kaduna branch and the family of our dearly loved colleague, over this very sad loss.

The NBA President prays that the almighty God will grant the family the fortitude and grace to bear this loss and grant our dear colleague a peaceful rest in the bossom of the Lord.

Kunle Edun
National Publicity Secretary, NBA

O.O. Olowokure’s Demise: A Good Man Bids Goodbye.

It is with a heavy heart and sense of great loss that I join family, friends and associates in mourning the untimely demise of a one time Chairman of the Kaduna branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olumuyiwa O. Olowokure Esq, who passed on to eternal glory yesterday afternoon after a brief illness.

O.O. as he was fondly called was an astute Bar man, a personal friend and confidant. As the head of my Technical Team during the 2018 NBA elections, I found in him a loyal, dedicated, dependable and committed ally who committed his time, energy and resources into my project to lead our noble association.

O.O. will be remembered as a detribalized and consummate Bar man with the midas touch who during his tenure as Chairman of Kaduna branch of the NBA hosted one of the most successful conferences in the history of the association. He believed in excellence and brought same to bear in all he did.

His sudden exit leaves a great vacuum that will be difficult to be filled. O.O. was a good man and my sincere prayers is that the Almighty grant his family, friends colleagues and members of the Kaduna branch of NBA, the grace to pass through this dark hour and may the soul of the deceased find eternal rest in the bosom of the Almighty.
Adieu O.O. Olowokure Esq till we meet to part no more.

Arthur Obi Okafor (SAN).

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Copyright 2018 CITY LAWYER. All materials available on this Website are protected by copyright, trade mark and other proprietary and intellectual property laws. You may not use any of our intellectual property rights without our express written consent or attribution to www.citylawyermag.com. However, you are permitted to print or save to your individual PC, tablet or storage extracts from this Website for your own personal non-commercial use.

‘REMEMBERING CHIEF F. O. AKINRELE,’ BY ALEX MUOKA

Legal icon, Chief Frank Odunayo Akinrele died recently. He was aged 88 years. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria for about 38 years, Chief Akinrele practiced law for over 60 years. Continue Reading

More Tributes Pour in For Pa Gomez

Lawyers queued up yesterday to pay homage to the legacy of Nigeria’s oldest practicing lawyer, Pa Tunji Fortunatus Gomez, popularly called “It’s a matter of conscience.” Continue Reading