* As NBA Ibadan immortalises late Ondo governor with bar centre
By Nudoiba Ojen
In recognition of the legacies of the immediate past governor of Ondo State, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, the Nigerian Bar Association, Ibadan Branch, on Wednesday commissioned a Bar centre annex, to immortalize him.
This was as the late governor’s family announced the establishment of an annual law Scholarship in his memory, named Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Scholarship Fund for Lawyers, aimed at supporting aspiring students in the Nigerian Law school.
In her opening remarks, the NBA Chairman of the branch, Mrs Folasade Aladeniyi, noted that the project, which was envisioned to serve as a source of income to the bar association was named after late Governor Akeredolu “being a promoter of the rule of law, advocate of justice and for his outstanding leadership style in Nigeria”.
She lauded the unalloyed support of the late former NBA President and former chairman of the Ibadan branch towards the establishment of the Bar Centre annex, noting that, although he’s dead, his legacies remained unforgettable.
Announcing the establishment of the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Scholarship Fund for Lawyers, his widow, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, who spoke on behalf of the family informed that the scholarship was in recognition of his love and immense contributions to the legal profession in Nigeria and to appreciate his legacy of excellence.
“This scholarship will be awarded annually to aspiring lawyers who have been admitted to the Nigerian Law School, and who demonstrate academic merit, leadership potential, and financial need. The scholarship will cover the full tuition and living expenses of the recipients for the duration of their studies at the Nigerian Law School. Details of its takeoff
will be provided in due course.
“The aim of this scholarship is to honour the memory and the vision of Aketi, and to support the development and advancement of the legal profession in Nigeria. The scholarship is also a way of expressing our gratitude to the NBA, and especially to the Ibadan branch, for honoring my husband and our father with this naming ceremony.
“We hope that this scholarship will inspire and empower the next generation of lawyers, who will uphold the values and principles that Aketi embodied and exemplified”, she said.
She appreciated the NBA Ibadan branch for the decision to celebrate him by immortalising him with the edifice.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola GCON, who commissioned the centre, affirmed that Aketi was a great Ibadan Bar man who indeed, deserved the honour done to him by the branch.
Arowoola added that the honour would serve as a good memory for Aketi’s family, and as a testament of his commitment to the Bar, hinting that the late Governor had promised to come back to the Bar after politics before his demise.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said the late Akeredolu left indelible and visible legacies that people derived joy in.
The event, which was held at Aare Afe Babalola Bar centre, Iyakangu quarters Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, had in attendance, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Chief Olayide Adelami; Chief Folake Solanke, SAN; the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima; Prof. Wole & Ifeoma Akeredolu; and Pastor Kola & Prof. Alero Akeredolu.
Also in attendance are Mr Kunle and Yejide Runsewe; Engr. Babajide Akeredolu; members of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, BRECAN, led by its national President, Amb. Tolu Taiwo,;Aketi Friends and Associates, among others.
