The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi has lauded legal luminary, Adebayo Adelodun, SAN, describing him as “perfect for his generation” during a book presentation in his honour marking 20 years at the Inner Bar.
The event, which also featured activities commemorating his two decades as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, attracted prominent personalities from across the legal profession, a reflection, Fagbemi said, of Adelodun’s far-reaching impact within and beyond the bar.
He said “the presence of notable legal figures, including Wole Olanipekun, SAN, underscored Adelodun’s influence and contributions to the advancement of legal practice in Nigeria.”
The Minister also urged younger lawyers across the country to emulate Adelodun’s exemplary conduct, dedication and professional discipline in order to attain greater heights in the profession.
The event, held in Ilorin, featured the public presentation of the book titled “Adebayo Oba Adelodun: A Life of Advocacy and Leadership at the Bar,” organised by friends and associates of the legal icon to commemorate his two decades as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Speaking at the occasion, Adelodun disclosed that Nigeria legal system has positively evolved over the years to an “enviable height,” although he noted that there was room for improvement.
According to him, the country’s legal framework has become more indigenous and less dependent on foreign legal authorities.
“Gone are the days when we relied heavily on foreign cases and laws to survive legal hurdles.
“We have become homegrown unlike when we had to depend on foreign cases and other instances to survive,” he said.
He, however, maintained that no system is beyond reform.
“Though we are good, there is always room for improvement because nothing is permanent,” Adelodun said.
The Senior advocate also disclosed that his next ambition is to devote more of his life to the service of God.
“I am above 70 years old. My further’s ambition is to be closer to Almighty Allah, my creator,” he said.
The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in his remarks at the event, described Adelodun’s contributions to the legal profession and judiciary as legendary.
Represented by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Sulyman, the Governor said the celebrant remained one of the foremost legal icons from the state.
“Barrister Adelodun has been and remains a foremost legal icon in Kwara State and we are proud to be associated with him,” he said.
Other top government officials present at the event included the Senior Adviser and Counsellor to the governor, Alhaji Saadu Salahu, as well as the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Jiddah.
Also speaking, the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, represented by Prof. Yusuf Ali, SAN, described Adelodun as “a very worthy son of Ilorin” and a role model to many.
The Chairman of the occasion, Olanipekun described the celebrant as ‘a dependable and reliable ally whose professional dexterity endeared him to many people within and outside the legal profession.’
Among dignitaries that graced the occasion are legal luminaries from across the country including members of the bar and the bench, business mugul, the GMD/CEO, Kam Holding Iimited, Dr Kamaru Yusuf and his wife, Erelu Kamaru Yusuf, Hajia Bolanle Yusuf, Hajia Muyinat Shagaya, the Sarauniya of Ilorin, Zanah of Ilorin, Lanre Sagaya, and the Ciroma of Ilorin, Abubakar Bature SuluGambari SAN.
Others are; Chief Faysal Harb, the Managing Director JMK Construction Company, and the Managing Director Overland Airways, Capt Edward Boyo as well as the Mufty of Ilorin, Sheikh Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa.
Victoria Ibanga
