Akande: Exit of a Legal Icon
By Joseph Ushigiale
If Debo Akande, erstwhile lead prosecuting counsel for Oyo State Government in the trial of Senator Iyiola Omisore and others arrested over the killing of late Chief Bola Ige, was a Christian, in line with the Christian belief, early Sunday morning, he knocked on heavens' gate. Today, it is believed he is firmly rested in the bosom of the Lord. He died early Sunday morning at 66.
While his death has opened a floodgate of condolences, Akande led a fulfilled life guided by strict principles of what was right. He was a defender of truth and justice and spent a greater part of his lifetime pursuing what he believed was the truth.
Born in 1938, Debo decided early in his life to chart a career in law. After completing his studies between 1961 to 64 at the University of London, he was subsequently called to the English Bar, Inner Temple, London.
On his return to Nigeria, he opted for private practice and later joined politics in 1979. He contested and won the House of Representatives seat for his constituency on the platform of the Unity Party of Nigeria, (UPN) between 1979 and 1983, before the military sacked the President Shehu Shagari regime.
Three years later, he was conferred with the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). In 1995, the General Sani Abacha regime appointed him secretary to the National Constitutional Conference (NCC). But Akande was to resign before the NCC rounded up its assignment.
Based on principles, the late legal luminary confounded Nigerians when he resigned his position as secretary to NCC because no clearly defined role was carved out for him at the conference.
When the erstwhile Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola was killed in his Bodija home, Ibadan, it was Akande the Oyo State government turned to, to lead the prosecution for the trial of the former Osun State deputy governor, Senator Iyiola Omisore and others arrested over Ige's death.
From the beginning of the high profile trial in Ibadan, Akande remained consistent and dogged in pursuit of truth and justice. He was convinced that contrary to beliefs in some quarters, Omisore had a case to answer over Ige's death.
While the trial lasted, he employed every known legal technique to prove his case against Omisore and those arrested with him mover Ige's death.
Even when trial judges were withdrawing from the case over death threats and harassment, Akande put his life on the line. He remained resolute and pursued his brief with firm conviction that the culprits would eventually be punished for their role in the heinous crime.
Akande's legal proweress came to bear when Omisore, whose release on bail from detention, while awaiting trial, enabled him to be sworn-in alongside his colleagues in the senate, provoked public outrage.
Utilising various sections of the constitution to argue his case, he fought spiritedly to ensure that Omisore not only returned to await trial, but also remained behind bars till the end when the court delivered its judgment.
But Akande's resolve to prosecute the matter to the logical conclusion was jolted by the discharge and acquittal of Omisore and four others by Justice Akin Sanda of Oyo State High Court for want of evidence linking them to the crime for which they were standing trial.
The final blow came when Justice Atilade Ojo also discharged and acquitted Alani Omisore and others following the filing of a nolle prosequi by the State Attorney General, Mr. Lekan Latinwo before the court on the matter.
Akande in his reaction to the development, withdrew from the case. Even the reassurance from his client, the Oyo State Government that he was yet to be debriefed from the matter failed to budge him. Akande resolutely hands-off the matter, stating that the state government failed to notify him before filling a nolle prosequi for the remaining persons standing trial for the same offence.
His refusal to continue with the matter, even with the reassurance from his client to do so, affirms his untainted belief in principles. Those who have had the need to make contact with Akande attest his impeachable character and forthrightness.
Married to Dr. Jadesola Akande and survived by four kids, he would be remembered for leaving indelible marks in the sphere of politics, law and a new world order.
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