The Vice Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Solomon Awomolo SAN; Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) and former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Adetokunbo Kayode SAN are among senior lawyers and stakeholders mourning the demise of the Doyen of Ilorin Inner Bar, Dr. Aliyu Alarape Salman, SAN. Salman died last Sunday at the age of 81 years.

In a post on CITY LAWYER platform, Awomolo described Salman as “one of the most friendly compassionate and caring seniors in Kwara state,” adding that “He practised law with dignity and comportment of a gentleman in several jurisdictions especially in kaduna, kwara and kogi jurisdictions.”

In a tribute made available to CITY LAWYER, Kayode noted that Salman “was a meticulous and thorough legal practitioner who enjoyed huge respect from both young and old at the bar.”

On its part, BOSAN noted that “Throughout his career, Alhaji Aliyu Salman held several significant positions, including serving as the inaugural chairman of African Petroleum (AP) from the North and as the 3rd Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association from 1985 to 1986.”

NOTICE OF DEMISE OF ALHAJI (DR.) ALIYU ALARAPE SALMAN, SAN

The BOSAN Secretariat regrets to announce the demise of Alhaji (Dr.) Aliyu Alarape Salman, SAN who passed away on January 7, 2024, at the age of 81.

Alhaji Aliyu Salman was born on November 9, 1942, in the Baba Kinise house in the Omoda area, in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State.

He attended various schools, including Aladabiyyah Muslim School (now Ansar I-Islam Primary School), Baptist Day Primary School, and Bababoko Primary School. He furthered his education at Barewa College in Zaria, where he obtained his school certificate in 1959. He then pursued a law degree, completed his legal education at the Nigerian Law School in Lagos, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1968.

Alhaji Aliyu Salman began his legal career at the Ministry of Justice in Sokoto, where he also served as the Deputy Solicitor-General. He later became the first Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Kwara State. Following his resignation, he established his law firm, SARAA Chambers.

Throughout his career, Alhaji Aliyu Salman held several significant positions, including serving as the inaugural chairman of African Petroleum (AP) from the North and as the 3rd Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association from 1985 to 1986. He also chaired the Board of Studies at the Nigerian Law School in 1986. He was a member of the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association from 1976 to 1986, served as a member of the Constituent Assembly from 1985 to 1989, and was a former member of the Kwara State Boundary Committee.

Additionally, he was an executive member of the African Bar Association from 1981 to 1986 and served as a member of the Council of Legal Education between 1980 and 1986. In 1987, he was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), becoming the first SAN in Kwara State. He was also honored with an honorary Ph.D. by an Irish University.

Alhaji Aliyu Salman is survived by his wife, Hajia Salman, and five children, two of whom are lawyers. He was buried according to Islamic rites.

We mourn his passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this challenging time. We pray Almighty Allah to grant him al-Jannah Firdaus and preserve all his heirs.

Signed:

Mr. Olumide Sofowora, SAN
Secretary

Alhaji Aliyu Alarape Salman SAN. Life Benchers was the doyen of Inner Bar in Ilorin. He was one of the most friendly compassionate and caring seniors in Kwara state. He practised law with dignity and comportment of a gentleman in several jurisdictions especially in kaduna, kwara and kogi jurisdictions.

He practised law with the highest ethically standard and fear of God. His name was never associated with corruption, abuse of office or undue influence or the abuse of the due process of law. One of his attributes that i tried to emulate was his patients tolerance and candor in the face of insults , disrespect, and provocation.whether from the Bar, or Bench.

He would always smile as if nothing has happened. He was cosmopolitan in his views on public matters.He was not a religious fanatic.He embraced every religion and hated wickedness with passion

When the certificates and licences of Christian schools were revoked by a government of Kwara state, i approached him for intervention. He promptly wrote to condemn the executive lawlessness and stood with the cause of the aggrieved proprietors.

He was a mentor to several juniors including myself. Money meant little to his practice but justice, integrity and honour were his goals.

He left indelible marks of integrity ,discipline, and moral standards worthy of emulation.

He contributed his best to the legal profession.

He will forever be remembered a great icon of the noble and learned profession of law.

May Allah comfort his only wife Hajis Salman bless his children particularly my learned friend Salman Salman Esq

May Allah grant him Aljanah Fidausi.

Adegboyega Awomolo SAN. Life Bencher
7th January 2024.

Alhaji Aliyu Alarape Salman, SAN. A Testimony.
I met and had several opportunities to relate and interact with Dr Salman SAN, Life Bencher, from about 1985 and onwards.

Alhaji Salman was a meticulous and thorough legal practitioner who enjoyed huge respect from both young and old at the bar.

He was such a loveable and kind gentleman. He would always advise and guide us. He usually had a word to give about comportment at the Bar. He would ask after your family and give words of encouragement.

I recall he was also a calming force in the tumultuous years of 1990 to 1998 at the Nigerian Bar Association, when pernicious forces were gnawing at our heels.

Dr Salman showed and had within him, grace, a quiet sense of contentment and deep personal satisfaction with his life. He was easygoing and above all enjoyed a happy life.

This is why we so much loved and respected him.

Senior lawyers today must learn and emulate these simple yet edifying qualities.

May Almighty Allah grant him Aljana firdaus.

We pray for strength and fortitude for family, associates and friends at this time.

Adetokunbo Kayode, CON. SAN
(Former Hon Attorney-General of the Federation & Minister of Justice).
7th January 2024.

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