Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has described the demise of Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN), as the end of an era and a huge loss to the state, the legal profession and the country.
The late Akinjide was a Second Republic Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
Makinde, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa, on Tuesday, described Akinjide as a legal luminary who served his state and the country to the best of his ability.
The governor, who also described the demise as loss of a gem and a shining light, said that he was saddened by the demise of the foremost legal luminary.
He said the former minister’s death came at a period that his wealth of experience and robust versatility in history, politics and law was needed to offer direction to the current generation of leaders.
“The news of the death of our father, leader and one of the last men standing among the foremost politicians of the country, Chief Richard Akinjide, came to us as a shock.
“This is because Baba, for those who knew him or has seen him in recent time, did not show any sign of slowing down.
“He continued to lead intelligent and history-laden conversations, offered golden advice on governance and leadership and remained a great pillar of experience in politics and law.
“He was an exemplary indigene of Ibadan and a detribalised Nigerian, who served the country to the best of his ability and a citizen of the world,” Makinde said.
The governor also commiserated with members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the deceased’s daughter, Chief Jumoke Akinjide, and Akinjide’s biological and political children.
