Notable Nigerians including President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State Senator Kola Balogun have mourned Chief Richard Akinjide, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who died today at University College Hospital (UCH).
President Buhari stated that late Akinjide had made remarkable impact on the country as Minister of Education in the First Republic, Minister of Justice and Attorney General in the Second Republic, and member of Judicial Systems Sub-committee of the Constitutional Drafting Committee of 1975-1977.
In a statement by the President’s spokesman, Mr Femi Femi Adesina noted that the deceased used his rich experience and knowledge in serving the country and humanity.
Senate President Lawal, who described the deceased as a walking encyclopedia, who lived a fulfilled life said, “Nigeria will miss Akinjide’s sharp legal mind, broad knowledge and wisdom gathered over several decades of discipline and hard work”.
Speaker Gbajabiamila said Akinjide lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation, especially by the upcoming generation of lawyers in the country.
“Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) was an embodiment of diligence and dedication to nationhood. He did not only live an exemplary life, but he also ensured that he used his knowledge and experience for the betterment of Nigeria. I recall the laudable ideas he brought during his tenure as the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice. That he became one of the reference points in the Nigerian legal profession was not a fluke, but by dint of hard work”, he said.
The Senator for Oyo South District in the 9th National Assembly, Dr. Mohammed Kola Balogun described the demise of Richard Osuolale Akinjide as a great loss to Nigeria and Oyo State in particular.
“Chief Akinjide has done us proud in Nigeria and Oyo State; as two time Minister, as the Lawyer of the famous “twelve two third postulation” and as the father to great men and women, amongst whom we have the former Minister for State for the Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide. Baba was a living encyclopaedia of Nigerian politics and constitution and we shall greatly miss him”, Balogun said.
