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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has recalled how a passion for education pushed former Attorney General of Federation and Minister of Justice Bola Ajibola to sell his homes and other valuables to enable him to establish Crescent University.
According to a statement by his spokesman, Laolu Akande, the Vice President said this at the interment of Ajibola in Abeokuta Sunday, April 9, saying: “I recall that he sold all the houses that he owned and several other things to be able to establish Crescent University.”
The former Justice Minister died at the age of 89 on the morning of Sunday, April 9.
Osinbajo said: “First, he (Ajibola) did not accept to be paid a salary when he was Attorney-General. At some point in his life, he told me that he wanted to establish a university, which turned out to be the Crescent University and that he was going to sell everything that he owned to establish that university.
“This place where we stand is also a place he established for primary education and secondary education.”
Osinbajo, who described himself as Ajibola’s “first son”, described him as a man of integrity who had a deep commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria.
He said that the late Ajibola, who also served as Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom was “an excellent role model.
“He was a man who believed that the worth of a person is what he is able to give back to society and he demonstrated it throughout his own life. So, I think it is a life that ought to be celebrated and it is a life that is an example to us all.”
He added that the deceased demonstrated his belief in a united Nigeria, adding: “More importantly, is his belief that one could serve in the public domain with integrity and with altruism. He demonstrated this all his life.”
Earlier during a special prayer session, the Vice President said: “I am sad that he is gone. As Segun the first son said, I am actually ‘his first son.’ It is really a great honour to have known him and to have been mentored by him.
“It was when I worked for him that I gained the knowledge and experience that eventually helped me when I became Attorney-General in Lagos State.
“I used to tell my former Attorney General colleagues back then that none of them had the sort of experience and exposure I had because I learnt so much from Bola Ajibola for 5 years before I became Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State.”
The Vice President emphasised the significance of Prince Ajibola’s contributions while alive, saying: “We can’t talk about him briefly; we would have to keep going on and on. I’m thankful that I knew him. He was not only known in Nigeria but internationally.
“He was an International Arbitrator even before he became Attorney General of the Federation and then later a World Court Judge. Even being a World Court Judge doesn’t come through the appointment but rather through election by the United Nations. We are thankful to God for all his achievements during his lifetime. We pray for his wife, the children, all of us, that we will be comforted and that all of us will live long.”
Osinbajo, who was accompanied by his wife, Dolapo, later met with the wife of the late legal luminary, Alhaja Amatulaye Ajibola and their children, to condole with them and offer prayers.
