The Eti-Osa Lawyers’ Forum (ELF) has announced the death of its Founding Secretary, Mr. Abioye Abdul-Lateef Akerele.

The Chairman of ELF, Mr. Adewale Sanni described the deceased Bar activist as “one of the initiators of ELF who doggedly committed to the Eti-Osa Judicial Division and NBA Eti-Osa Branch project.”

In an emotion-laden voice, Sanni, who said he was “still in shock and devastated” by the passing of his confidante, told CITY LAWYER that “We both envisioned what today is ELF and what it has become. Indeed, he gave me maximum and unflinching support throughout his life time. I’m so inconsolable.

“On more than one occasion when I had suggested stepping down as Chair, considering the length of time on the project and the toll on my other commitments, he always urged me to stay till the full realization of our objectives, that it will be a legacy for lawyers and the community and therefore worth the while. He reasoned that while the price we are paying now may be enormous, it’s worth the sacrifice.”

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, the forum noted that Akerele “who transitioned to glory on Sunday the 10th of December 2023 at the age of 60 years will be buried in accordance with Islamic rites on Tuesday, 12th of December 2023 at Atan Cemetery Yaba, Lagos State by 4:00pm prompt.”

Among the early mourners is his political soul-mate and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch Chairman, Mr. Martin Ogunleye who wrote: “My friend, nay, my brother has gone. We never bade each other farewell. As I thought the worst was over.”

ETI-OSA LAWYERS’ FORUM OBITUARY/BURIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

With a heavy heart, we announce that the Secretary of the Eti-Osa Lawyers’ Forum, Mr. Abioye Abdul-Lateef Akerele who transitioned to glory on Sunday the 10th of December 2023 at the age of 60 years will be buried in accordance with Islamic rites on Tuesday, 12th of December 2023 at Atan Cemetery Yaba, Lagos State by 4:00pm prompt.

Members of this Forum are enjoined to be in attendance to pay our last respect to our founding member and pioneer Secretary.

Signed
MMA Sanni
Chairman ELF.

TRIBUTES

AN IROKO HAS FALLEN

Today I shed tears.
My limbs are weak
And tomorrow looks bleak.

My friend, nay, my brother has gone
We never bade each other farewell
As I thought the worst was over.

Together we journeyed across Nigeria,
Partners seeking a new dawn
For the profession we so love.

We shared great moments together,
Happy times, sad ones but with courage
As we had each other’s backs.

Here today yet gone tomorrow,
The vanity of life.
My brother is gone!

An Iroko tree has fallen
And I am helpless and bitter as I grieve.

Farewell Abioye, great nationalist, patriot and loyal friend.

Just last month we celebrated together, we shall reunite at the resurrection dawn!

Otunba Martin Ogunleye

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