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Tag: tributes

  • Eminent Nigerians pay tributes to Eso

    Eminent Nigerians pay tributes to Eso

    Eminent Nigerians, including the first woman Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Folake Solanke; Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi and members of the Judiciary, yesterday paid tributes to the former Supreme Court Justice Kayode Eso.

    They extolled his virtues at a special court session organised by the Oyo State Judiciary in honour of the late jurist.

    The session, presided over by the State Chief Judge, Justice Badejoko Adeniji, was held at the State High Court on Ring Road, Ibadan, the state capital.

    Mrs. Solanke described the late Justice Eso as “our own Lord Denning”.

    The late jurist, who died on November 16 at 87, was described as an “exceptionally brave Judge on the Bench, who will be missed dearly in Nigeria and the world for his brilliant performance in the legal profession”.

    Also at the event were Ajimobi’s wife, Florence; Osun State Deputy Governor Titi Laoye-Tomori; retired and serving Judges, among others.

    It was a remarkable day for the Eso family as the deceased’s widow, Aina and children – Mrs. Funmilayo Eso Williams and Olumide – listened to people sing their loved one’s praises.

    Mrs Solanke urged the Judiciary to uphold the virtues of boldness, fair play, zeal, industry, scholarship, honesty and incorruptibility, which the late Justice Eso “was known for”.

    She recalled how the late jurist used to deliver dissenting judgments against the government, citing the example of how he slammed the Federal Government for executive lawlessness in the case of the late Chief Chukwuemeka Ojukwu during the civil war, as well as his failure to find Prof. Wole Soyinka guilty of making an anti-government announcement on the radio then.

    Mrs Solanke said: “The late Justice Eso’s commitment to the rule of law was total. His mastery of English was superb and his knowledge of history was excellent.”

    On the manner the late Justice Eso rose during his active years on the Bench, before he bowed out of the Supreme Court on September 18, 1990, the Oyo State Attorney-General and Commissioner Justice, Mr. Adebayo Ojo, said: “It showed sound knowledge of the law and good character. In the appointment of Judges, merit, good knowledge of the law and qualitative exposure should be considered above length of service on the Bench.”

    Lamenting the aberration in the appointment of Judges nowadays, Ojo said: “The order of the day now is the promotion of aberration, where Judges collect curriculum vitae from applicants seeking judicial appointment and proceed to recommend them without taking into consideration such applicants’ skill of advocacy and character.”

    Chairmen of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Seun Abimbola (Ibadan), Olawale Omoloye (Oyo) and Ogunniran (Ogbomoso) also extolled the late Justice Eso’s virtues.

    Omoloye said: “Eso built a sustained reputation as a courageous and fearless judge. He took his job seriously and was an ardent defender of the constitution, who acted uncompromisingly even at the risk and threat to his job while on the Bench. He maintained a high standard of responsibility.”

    On behalf of the family, the deceased’s younger brother, Ven. Ladi Eso, thanked God that his brother did not die in vain. He said: “He left us something to emulate, decipher and make marks on in the course of our life experiences to make this country better.”

  • Nollywood stars pay tributes to ‘Andrew’ Elebuwa

    Nollywood stars pay tributes to ‘Andrew’ Elebuwa

    They worked together. Many learnt lessons from him and were expecting him to recover from his ilness and return to set.

    Colleagues of the late Enebeli Elebuwa were still distraught yesterday.

    Actress Stephanie Okereke-Linus said the late Elebuwa gave his best to the industry. She said he would forever be remembered for his versatility.

    Mrs. Okereke-Linus said: “For filmmaker and actress, the flurry of deaths in the industry is a cause for concern. It is really sad the way we are losing our veterans. Only recently, we lost Pete Eneh and now Enebeli has joined him. He was a fine, interesting, loving and giving man. As an up and coming artiste, I remember working together with him on the film, Together as One. He gave me a lot of fatherly advice. I will miss him greatly.”

    Ace producer and actor Kunle Afolayan said his death has created a void. Afolayan said: “I knew him as Andrew and he finally checked out. One thing I know is that his death is a very sad thing. He has left a void that will be hard to fill in the industry.”

    Star actor Ernest Obi said the late Elebuwa would be missed in the industry.

    Obi said: “He will be missed. He was a great and principled man and he was dedicated to whatever role he was given. He was one of the few professionals left in the industry.”

    Actress Benita Nzeribe said she was shocked to learn of the late Elebuwa’s death. She said the industry was yet to recover from the death of of another veteran Pete Eneh when Elebuwa died.

    She said: “His death comes as a great shock, especially as the industry is yet to recover the death of veteran Pete Eneh. More heartbreaking is the fact that I worked with him on a couple of movies. Nobody can deny the fact that Enebeli had a great impact on the Nigerian movie scene. His works speaks for him and he will be greatly missed.”

    Former President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Mr. Segun Arinze, said the deceased was an icon. Arinze said Elebuwa would be remembered as a great man, who fought gallantly till the death.

    He said: “He was a great man. He fought gallantly to the end. He was an icon. We remember him as Andrew checking out. He has checked out now. We hope he checks into heaven. The ailment started when I was still the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria. We all ran helter-skelter to see that he stabilizes. At some point, it looked like he was recovering. We later we heard the sickness relapsed until finally a few days ago that we learnt of the sad incident.”

    Actress Florence Onuma said she thought the late Elebuwa was recovering. “I was actually thinking he was recovering until I heard of his passing on. It is so sad. The way we are losing our veterans is becoming very alarming. I just pray it doesn’t happen again,” she said.

    Other younger colleagues of the deceased, such as Bimbo Akintola and Ayo Adesanya, also paid glowing tributes to him.

    Ms Akintola said: “I’m so sad. Death is a natural occurrence, but not when it comes early. Uncle Enebeli had so much to give, so much to show. I am still in shock.”

    Ms Adesanya described him as a core professional. She said: “Uncle Enebeli, as we normally called him, was a professional to the core. The passion he had for acting was unquenchable. It is so painful that we have lost this particular veteran however; he will forever remain in our hearts. If there is one thing I will miss about him is that genuine way of laughing. When he did you could see the sincerity in his laughter. He was a very lively person and had a strong personality. With late uncle Enebeli there was never a dull moment.”

    Actor and Delta State Commissioner for Culture Richard Mofe-Damijo said: “I spoke to him last week and he was in great spirits and was thanking the government for taking care of him. He told me he was much better and walking with his feet. In fact we were even beginning to think of his return. He will be greatly missed. He was a fantastic human being and a great actor. He was a gentle giant. I was close to him and I will miss his gentle and sweet personality because he was a great man, as well as an accomplished actor.”

    Actor and host of the popular MTN Project Fame Joseph Benjamin said:”It is indeed a great loss to our industry.

    “He is most respected and cherished and although we never worked together, I have the utmost and profound respect for him. He is one of the greatest and he will surely be missed. My heart goes out to his family.”

    Ebube Nwagbo, an actress, said: “It’s such a sad news after all the struggles. But God knows best. It’s such a big loss to Nollywood and beyond. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

    Ghanaian actor Van Vicker tweeted:”I have worked with Enebeli Elebuwa, he was a fantastic actor, may his soul rest in peace. Nollywood has lost another great one.”

    The Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Mike Omeri, described the late Elebuwa as a rare breed actor.

    A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Omeri, Mr Paul Odenyi, on Wednesday in Abuja, said the death came at a time when his sense of patriotism and wealth of experience was most needed to guide younger Nollywood operatives.

    The work of “Andrew Checking Out” protagonist, he said, would continue to inspire patriotism and contribute to re-orientating Nigerians to always do the right thing.

    Omeri recalled that he visited the actor in the hospital in Abuja to wish him speedy recovery.

    Though NOA family wished Elebuwa had survived the illness, but it took solace in the lasting legacy of patriotism he left behind.

    He urged the family of the late actor to find comfort in his legacies and prayed God to grant them and all Nigerians the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

    The late Elebuwa hailed from Ukpane in Otagunu Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. He started acting in 1967 and the first soap opera he did was Mirror in the Sun.

    He also featured as a police officer in the popular Village Headmaster drama series.

    He has more than 130 movies to his name and they include: “The King and the Maiden”, “Royal Fight”, “Dry My Tears”, “Last Chance”, “Heart of a Fighter” and “Implication” among others.

    He was married with four kids. He died on Tuesday night in a Delhi hospital in India, where he has been receiving treatment for stroke for the past four months.

    Elebuwa had been at the hospital for the past few months, courtesy of the Delta State Government.

    The veteran actor was stricken with stroke last year and has sought healing from numerous sources, including churches, where one Pastor Sign Fireman of the Perfect Christian Ministry, Surulere, claimed to have healed him in May this year.

    But the actor later debunked those claims by saying: “If he claims that he has healed me, I leave everything to God. I was in his church and he prayed for me, but my condition did not improve.”

    He then continued with his treatment in an Abuja hospital before being flown to India by the Delta State Government. Reports and pictures from India had all been positive until his death on Tuesday night.

  • Tributes as Oyo Assembly holds special sitting for ‘Great Lam’

    Tributes as Oyo Assembly holds special sitting for ‘Great Lam’

    Last Friday, top politicians in Oyo State joined the House of Assembly at a special sitting in honour of the late Alhaji Lam Adesina where they paid tributes to the political icon. BISI OLADELE and TAYO JOHNSON were there.

     

    The Oyo State House of Assembly has been described as one of the most unique assemblies in the country. Those who claim this hinge their argument on the fact that notable nationalists and great leaders such as the late Chief Rotimi William (SAN) and Chief Anthony Enahoro once stood there to make laws. It is also said to be unique because the first motion for Nigerian independence was moved on the floor of the assembly by Enahoro in 1956.

    Last Friday, the hallowed chamber of the House, once again, attracted eminent politicians who came to celebrate a former governor of the state, Alhaji Lam Adesina, who died penultimate Sunday, December 11, in a private hospital in Lagos.

    “Great Lam,” as he was fondly called, was until his death the leader of the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state. According to the Speaker, Hon. Monsurat Sunmonu, the House of Assembly organised the special sitting to honour Lam in view of his contributions to the development of the state. The Assembly had suspended its normal sittings on Tuesday and Thursday to prepare for the special sitting, which turned out to be a day of tributes and encomiums for the popular politician.

    For a man of many parts who was a critic, pro-democracy campaigner, teacher and politician, the session attracted lots of people from different classes, groups and opinions who extolled his virtues.

    At the session were former governor Rashidi Ladoja, the incumbent, Abiola Ajimobi and his Jigawa State counterpart, Sule Lamido who said that he came to pay tribute to a good friend.

    Also in attendance were the National Chairman, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Bisi Akande, state party cheiftains and other dignitaries.

    In her welcome address, Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Monsurat Sunmonu said the late governor was a man who made his marks at various levels and particularly, at the state level, educationally, socio-politically, stressing that the late politician also became a reference point as one of the fathers of the state.

    Having served the state meritoriously, the speaker said the state owes him a duty to immortalize him, stressing: “By so doing, we are also making a loud statement that diligence and commitment to the cause of the people pays. Patriotism should be encouraged particularly, among the up-and-coming generation”.

    She expressed the hope that the Nigeria and Oyo State of Lam’s dream were achievable.

    Akande, in his address, described the late Lam as his younger brother when he was still alive, pointing out that it was not a thing of joy to be at a valedictory service for him.

    He, nevertheless, noted that Lam was a visionary leader of the party in the state adding that his memory would continue to live forever.

    Former Governor of Oyo State, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, said it was pitiful that Lam Adesina passed away at a crucial time when Nigeria and Oyo State needs him most.

    His words: “I am happy to see Senator Rasheed Ladoja here. It means, we are now playing a more civilized politics in the state. Before, if any politician dies we will play politics with his death and avoid a condolence visit”

    Olunloyo described the late Lam Adesina as a very respectful brother, powerful columnist and a very conscious historian, adding that he is proud of him and his contribution to Nigerian politics and Oyo State.

    Ladoja, in his tribute, expressed sadness at Lam’s death in spite of their party differences and misunderstanding in the past. He said that he was very proud of him and his achievements.

    Ladoja explained that in 1992, it was Lam Adesina that encouraged him to join active politics, disclosing that he became a senator through his effort. He described Lam as a reliable and a forthright politician unlike some others.

    He said the late Lam was a humble teacher who got to the pinnacle of his career. As a columnist, Ladoja said that the deceased was read all over the world. As a politician, he said Lam achieved his dream while he was still alive.

    The former governor urged the upcoming generations to emulate his great works.

    In his own tribute to Lam, Senator Lekan Balogun said they worked together for years, pointing out that he was a great, principled and trustworthy fellow.

    “He was a gentle man to the core. I think we have lost an illustrious son of Ibadanland and a great grassroots politician” Balogun said.

    This was followed by a break at which a peep into the life and times of Lam Adesina was shown to all through the projector, where his early days as an Ibadan boy and how he went into politics were revealed to the audience.

    An activist, Comrade Moshood Erubami said the lesson from the gathering was that death is real, and that everybody will pay the debt.

    Erubami said: “All that we would be saying here today will be testimonies to Lam’s politics and ideological orientation as reflected in his leadership style for the number of years he lived on earth before he breathed his last. He was an unequalled democrat who is committed to serving the people, a colossus that contributed immensely to the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria”

    Erubami recalled the NADECO days when Lam Adesina was arrested as a ‘prisoner of war’. He said: “He was guilty for what he was arrested for because he was a rebel who wanted to overthrow the military regime for democracy to serve his people.”

    On how to sustain his legacies, the activist said that sustaining the legacy of a hero with noble achievements is beyond wishful thinking, stressing that no ordinary politician can sustain the legacy of Great Lam except those who are humble, people who care and share, respect other people’s opinion, imbued with courage, compassion and character of integrity like him.

    “When Lam was arrested as ‘prisoner of war’, I was the commander of the war. But he was guilty of the war because he was a rebel against military dictatorship,” he said.

    Also, the Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Olatunde Olaniyan described Lam as a democrat, a patriotic Nigerian who never felt bad at fighting for the cause of humanity.

    In his own tribute, Senator Abiola Ajimobi explained that when he visted the late ex-governor two days before his death at the hospital, Lam told him that he had lived a fulfilled and an accomplished life.

    Ajimobi said that Lam was his teacher at Lagelu grammar school, his mentor, a social crusader and a man with the fear of God, adding that in his last days, he was always praying and fasting.

    “ He was bright and eloquent, his rich vocabulary has helped me in life. He has grown up to be an advocate of justice and a parliamentarians’ delight when he was in the House of Representatives. His contribution and quota in the area of education in this state cannot be over emphasized. He was a governor of the masses and the less privileged,” Ajimobi said.

    He promised to sustain Great Lam’s outstanding legacies of sincerity, consistency and forthrightness in an attempt to take the state to greater height.

    The Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, who arrived at the occasion unannounced, expressed his shock at the death of his friend whom he described as “an astute politician.”

    He said he was at the House of Representatives with Lam between 1979 and 1983, recalling that in those days in the hallowed chamber, the late governor was an orator and his speeches laced with patriotic fervor.

    He said that the Yoruba race and Nigeria have lost a honourable Nigerian that is irreplaceable.

    Other dignitaries present at the event include Senator Ayo Adeseun, all the commissioners in the state, and chairmen of local governments in the state.

     

  • Jonathan, Mark, Tambuwal, Tinubu, ACN, PDP, others pay tributes

    Jonathan, Mark, Tambuwal, Tinubu, ACN, PDP, others pay tributes

    Tributes poured in torrents yesterday for the late Dr. Olusola Saraki, the Second Republic Senate Leader who passed on in Lagos.

    President Goodluck Jonathan said Dr. Saraki will be remembered as a political colossus.

    A statement by Presidential spokesman Dr. Reuben Abati, said: “President Jonathan extends sincere commiserations to the elder statesman’s family and the people of his home state, Kwara, to whose service and upliftment he selflessly devoted his long and very successful career in politics.

    “He urges them to be consoled by the knowledge that their departed father, leader and mentor lived a very successful and fulfilled life, rising to national prominence by dint of hard work, uncommon generosity, political sagacity, dedication and wholesome commitment to the service of his people and the entire nation.

    “President Jonathan believes that the late Dr. Saraki will be long remembered and eulogised as a consummate politician, an astute grassroots mobiliser, and a political colossus with awe-inspiring powers of political organisation.

    “The President has no doubts that this public-spirited politician will always occupy a place of honour in the hearts of his people, supporters, friends and associates across the nation.

    “He believes that the ordinary people of Kwara in particular will always remember the “Oloye” with great affection because of the constant support they received from him.

    “The President further notes that Dr. Saraki’s brand of people-oriented politics and his success in building on his strong support base to contribute positively to Nigeria’s political development as a powerful voice in the nation’s dominant political parties, as the Senate Majority Leader in the Second Republic, and as the ultimate reference point in the politics of Kwara state for decades, have assured him of a place amongst Nigeria’s heroes of democracy.

    “President Jonathan urges Nigerians to emulate Dr Saraki’s patriotic commitment to national unity, politics without bitterness as well as his magnificent spirit of philanthropy.

    Senate President David Mark said Saraki was a political giant and shinning star of Nigerian politics.

    A statement by Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to the President of the Senate, Kola Ologbondiyan, quoted Mark as saying that Saraki was “a political tactician and political engineer” who navigated the political environment like a colossus.

    He noted that the political sagacity of Saraki helped to midwife the modern day Nigerian politics.

    Mark said: “Saraki was a political leader who stood to be counted when it mattered.

    “He stood on the side of the people and worked assiduously for the liberation of the down trodden.

    “He was a leader who lived and worked for others.

    “We shall miss his fatherly counsel. We shall miss his candour. We shall miss his humility. We shall miss his robust political debate. He was one of our brightest and focused political leaders.

    “Saraki has left a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.

    “The nation has lost one of her best and fertile minds”.

    As a parliamentarian, Mark noted that Saraki distinguished himself and unarguably laid solid foundation for today’s National Assembly.

    He added that Saraki left his positive footprint on the sand of time, saying the only way to immortalise him is to uphold the virtues of hard work, honesty and dedication to the ideals of nationhood which he stood for.

    House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal described Dr. Saraki as a quintessential politician and father-figure who gave his all for the development of the country.

    In a message of condolence issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal said Saraki has earned his place as one of Nigeria’s most consistent advocates of democracy.

    He said Saraki would be best remembered for his pioneering role in the formation of leading political parties in the country especially during the Second Republic which led to the establishment of the then National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and in the present dispensation, the All Peoples Party (now ANPP).

    Tambuwal said as the Senate Leader in the Second Republic, Saraki, along with his colleagues, worked assiduously to entrench parliamentary democracy by putting national interest above personal and other parochial interests.

    While urging Nigerians to emolute Saraki’s virtues of dedication, humility and compassion for the ordinary folks, the Speaker prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased and grant him Paradise.

    National leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (AC N) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu said Nigeria has lost a statesman and political tactician.

    In a statement, Tinubu said the death of Dr. Saraki, the man popularly called “the strongman of Kwara Politics” is a monumental loss not only to the people of Kwara State but also to Nigeria. “Saraki remains one of the builders of modern Nigeria. He was a political tactician who played pivotal role in the political advancement of his people and that of Nigeria”, Tinubu said.

    “From his days in the Constituent Assembly in 1977-1978 to his meteoric rise to become Senator of the Federal Republic where he served as majority leader, Saraki soon became a political institution, a force to be reckoned with not just in Kwara politics but also in national politics. He worked with others to make laws for the development of Nigeria’s political culture.”

    Tinubu recalled that Saraki was one of the brains behind the formation of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). “A tactician, Saraki’s image loomed large during that era as he pursued a populist oriented politics and became a rallying point for the masses and a reference for political tolerance”.

    The former Lagos State governor described him as a political phenomenon, loved by his people and respected by his political peers. “Nigeria, has lost a political general and a formidable leader of influence and clout. Saraki was not just the issue, he was the main issue in Kwara politics and now that he is no more, Kwara politics will never be the same again”.

    The ACN expressed shock and sadness.

    In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party described Dr. Saraki as a colossus who possessed ab efficient political machinery that he used effectively to rally the people.

    ‘’Dr. Saraki defined his era, and since his entry into politics several decades ago, politics has never been the same again, especially in his native Kwara state, where he became synonymous with the politics of the state.

    ‘’Any politician who ignored him in his lifetime did so at his own peril, and only the casualties of his deft political manoeuvring can appreciate his clinical political efficiency,’’ it said.

    ACN said the death of Dr. Saraki, coming a few days after the passing of another great politician, Lam Adesina, is a big loss to Nigeria, especially at a time the nation needs the wisdom and rich experience of its great sons and daughters to help steer it to less-turbulent waters.

    ‘’The vacuum being created by the death of these political titans is a challenge to young politicians to strive hard to step into their shoes and work hard to make our country a proud member of the comity of nations,’’ the party said.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the late strongman of Kwara politics as a political Titan, saying his death marks the gradual extinction of the last of the Mohegians.

    A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh said the nation has lost a political guru who compared in every respect with the generation of the independent Nigerian leaders. The statement reads: “Here was a fine medical doctor, philanthropist, humanist and an astute politician. Here, most importantly was a game changer, a man who changed the destiny of his people. Like the great Zik of Africa, like Ahmadu Bello and like Awo”.

    The party commiserated with the government and people of Kwara State and prayed God to grant them, especially the immediate family, the fortitude to weather storm of the irreparable loss.

  • Tinubu, Osoba, Olowude, others pay tributes to ‘a great leader’ Adegbite

    Tinubu, Osoba, Olowude, others pay tributes to ‘a great leader’ Adegbite

    National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chairman, Industrial and General Insurance plc (IGI) Chief Remi Olowude, former Lagos Deputy Governor Alhaja Lateefat Okunnu were among the dignitaries at the Fidau for the late Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Dr Abdullateef Adegbite. They took turn to eulogise the former Egba High chief.

    They described the Seriki and Baba Adinni of Egbaland as a “great leader.”

    The three-day Fidau organised for the late Adegbite held at the main bowl of Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos yesterday. The event featured prayers and recitation from the Holy Quran led by Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Garuba Akinola Ibrahim and Baba Adinni of Lagos, Sheikh AbdulHafeez Abou.

    Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah in Southwest of Nigeria (MUSWEN) Prof Daud Noibi and National Missioner, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad, delivered soul-inspiring lectures before floodgates of goodwill messages opened.

    Those who spoke include; Chairman, Jaiz Bank Alhaji Umar AbdulMutalab; Dr Abdullateef Adetona of the Lagos State University (LASU); Alhaja Okunnu; Asiwaju Tinubu and Amir (President) Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Lagos State Area Unit, Alhaji Qasim Badrudeen.

    Tinubu said the deceased contributed immensely to ensure many students acquire education.

    He said: “Dr Lateef Adegbite was a great father, a great brother, a great leader and an icon. He was a man we all must emulate at all time. The simultaneous prayers holding here in Lagos and Abeokuta showed that he had a great exit. This, confirmed the blessings of Allah on him.”

    The former Lagos governor marvelled on the day the Pioneer National President of Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) answered Allah’s call, describing him as a “rare blessing.”

    Tinubu said: “He died on a great day – Friday and his Fidau is holding today – when Nigerians are marking the 52nd anniversary Independence Day. It is extremely instructive. He was truly, a bridge-builder and fearless fighter of his religion.

    “He related with the Christians, quoting copiously from the Bible to preach tolerance. No doubt, he died well because he lived well. You cannot fault him on uprightness – he says things as he sees it and his judgements were also sound.”

    Alhaja Okuunu described Adegbite as a man with good listening hears and good servant of Allah.

    She said: “He nurtured many of us; as women, he was always there for us. He was extremely accommodating, caring and loving. I do not know anybody who did so much for the society like the late Dr Adegbite.”

    Chief Olowude who saw Dr Adegbite two days before his demise, recalled how the deceased spent long time praying for so many people and Nigeria as a country.

    “He lived a life of a blameless individual. If there is anything called a ‘saint’ he was truly a saint,” the IGI chief said.

    Alhaji AbdulMutalab, who had related with the late Adegbite for 25 years, said he received his death news with a big shock.

    “It is going to be difficult to replace him,” he said.

    Dr Adetona said the deceased wanted nothing but perfection.

    Among the dignitaries at the event include Lagos Deputy Governor Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Minister of Communication Technology Mrs Omobola Johnson; former governors of Ogun and Ekiti States, Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Niyi Adebayo; former Lagos Deputy Governor Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu; Chairman, Business mogul Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Mr Goddy Ibru; Chief Rasak Okoya; Secretary to the Ekiti State Government Alhaji Ganiyu Owolabi; Justice Ishola Olorunnimbe; Justice AbdurRashid Sahid; Prof AbdulFatah Mabadeje, his wife Prof Saida; Prof Taofeequat Odutola; Prof Muhib Opeloye; Prof Yahya Oyewole; Prof Is-haq Akintola and hosts of others.