Akande's body may arrive weekend, eminent Nigerians mourn
By Mustapha Ogunsakin, James Dadzie and Lekan Okusan
THE remains of the legal luminary, Chief Adebowale Durosaiye Akande, who died on Sunday morning in London may be flown into Nigeria this weekend.
A delegation of the family left Lagos yesterday night for London to facilitate the final homecoming.
His daughter, Justice Adenike Coker, told The Guardian yesterday that the family was yet to decide on the burial date. However, she confirmed that a meeting for the purpose would hold at the deceased's Surulere, Lagos State home.
Meanwhile, encomiums have continued to pour in for the legal giant. The doyen of the legal profession, Chief Frederick Rotimi Alade Williams, yesterday expressed shock at the death.
Chief Williams made his feelings known in the courtroom just before proceedings began in the case of Advance Fee Fraud against his client, Mrs. Amaka Anajemba, and three other persons.
He told Justice Joseph Oyewole: "He (Akande) was like a son to me," adding: "I am shocked beyond words."
Another lawyer in the suit, Mr. Alex Izinyon, said of the deceased: "He was one of the most respected lawyers in the country. His death is a major tragedy that has hit us."
Izinyon added: "He was a competent lawyer who attained an enviable height in the profession."
The Lagos State Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), who was at the deceased's home, wrote in the condolence register: "An icon of discipline and integrity. What a time to go!"
The Chairman, Ekocorp, Dr. Sony Kuku, wrote: "My most revered and big brother. What a loss for this nation. A principled, upright and great leader. Rest in peace."
In her own comments, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs. Priscilla Kuye wrote: "What a great loss to Jade (Jadesola, the widow) and your family, the NBA and Nigeria. Very sad, indeed. You served our great association well. You will be sadly missed. Your wisdom at our meetings will be missed. Adieu, Chairman, Body of Benchers, past trustee, NBA, an excellent family man, a great Bar man, a great patriot. RIP, may God comfort Jade, your children and grandchildren."
Vice-Admiral Akin Aduwo (OFR) wrote: "My beloved 'twin brother (same date of birth, June 9, 1938) of Club 38, your sudden death has left me speechless. All our associations, including the Metropolitan Club, will ever miss you. Rest in peace, Debo and let your spirit guard Jade and the family always. Sun re o."
Sand wished between two women in a three-sitter sofa at their expansive living room, the widow was in a black Guinea brocade skirt, a grey top and a black headgear. Her eyes had swollen obviously from long crying as friends and relatives in the room consoled her.
The dignitaries who visited the Akandes included Chief and Chief Mrs. G.O.K. Ajayi, Otunba T.O.S. and Opral Benson, Chief and Mrs. Kola Daisi, Dr. Kanyinsola Ajayi (SAN), Mr. and Mrs. Musiliu Smith, former Inspector-General of Police; Chief Babatunde Benson (SAN), Mr. Dele Adesina, Secretary, NBA; Mr. Felix and Janet Ohiwerei, Managing Director, NB Plc; Chief Kayode Sofola and Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Kano.
In his comments, Sofola wrote: "We have lost a worthy leader of the Nigerian Bar. He led by example and strove to keep the lofty idea of the Bar. An active Bar man and spirited but humane counsel. RIP."
Dr. Kanyinsola Ajayi also wrote: "He fought a good fight and ran a good race. Breasting the tape at the right time. Nigeria and law have lost a man of rectitude. We thank God as you join the saints triumphant."
Mr. Wole Sowole, a foster son of the deceased, described Akande as an exemplary Nigerian who always went out of his ways to help the oppressed.
Sowole said that his last encounter with the deceased was Friday night when Akande told him about his trip to London and asked for a phone number, through which they could keep in touch.
He said: "All my days with him were exciting. I cannot quantify right now what his death means to me. Is it the doors that he opened for me or the advice he always gave on politics and business"
One of the callers at the residence, an elderly woman, said: "I met Chief Akande on Friday at the church around 12.30 p.m. and he told me to be present at the mass. He gave me an invitation for his thanksgiving, which is coming up but he personally gave me the letter and told me to be at the event. When I got home, I opened the letter and discovered that he gave me a wrong letter and I hoped to return it to him but I was surprised to hear his death. It is indeed a great loss."
