Associates, others pay tributes to Akande
By Pius Odiaka
MORE tributes came the way of the late Chief Debo Akande (SAN) yesterday.
Five persons led by Prof. Yomi Okanlawon, described Akande as "a man of honour, integrity and erudite scholar who single-handedly fought for truth and justice."
Other members of the entourage were Prof. Addo, Revs. Badejo, E.T. Okanlanwon and Ilesanmi.
In the condolence register, the delegation who said that they were representing the family of late Chief Bola Ige, reiterated that "the labour" of Akande would not be in vain.
"We know that your labour has not been in vain. We look forward for the judge of the whole earth; the one and the only true God: our Lord and our saviour Jesus Christ: the judge of the quick and of the dead, to reward each man according to his deeds...".
Former Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Fatai Adeyinka was also at Akande's residence to condole with his family.
He, however, declined to make comment, saying: "I am an officer of the court."
Another judge, Justice F.O. Atilade, was also there and wrote, "Good night uncle Debo."
The Chairman of Legal Aid Council (LAC), where Akande once served as a member (1977-1979), Chief Bayo Ojo (SAN), also paid a condolence visit to the widow. Ojo, a presidential candidate in the August Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) election, wrote in the condolence register thus: "A great legal icon is gone. A pillar of the Bar is gone. A legal legend is gone. The bar will never be the same again."
Ojo was also joined by a member of the Body of Benchers, Alhaji Murtala Aminu, the Galadima of Adamawa. Others were the former ECOMOG Commander, Maj. Gen. Tunji Olurin (rtd), former Military Governor of Lagos State, Brig. Gen. Raji Rasaki and the Executive Director of Negotiation and Conflict Management Group (NCMG), Mr. Kehinde Aina.
Other persons who visited the residence yesterday were Dr. Sonny Kuku, Mrs. Oluremi Akinola-Aguda, Prof. Olayide Abass and Chief Razaq Okoya, Chairman of Eleganza Group of Companies who described him as "a complete gentleman and a man of great honour."
In a statement by the family of the late Akande, signed by her daughter, Justice Adenike Coker, the family expressed shock at the sudden death but resigned to the will of God.
"We are deeply shocked by this tragic loss. He will be greatly missed. A devout Catholic and with utmost faith, we accept the will of God and know he is resting in the bosom of the Lord," said the statement by the family.
The statement said he would be buried in Lagos and that the burial arrangements would be announced in due course.
