President Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the family of Chief Chike Offodile (SAN), former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, saying he received the news with sadness.
Thanking God for a life well spent by the late Chief, Jonathan condoled with the Obi and people of Onitsha as well as friends and professional colleagues of the former Minister who also served his native community as the Onowu Iyasele of Onitsha.
In a statement released by the president’s aide on media and publicity matters on Monday, described Offodile as a dedicated man who distinguished himself in the legal profession and service to his community and fatherland.
“The nation will remain eternally grateful for the late Chief Offodile’s commendable service as a member of the Federal Executive Council, and his significant contributions to the development of the legal profession in Nigeria,” Jonathan said.
He prayed that God Almighty grant Offodile peaceful rest from his lengthy labours on earth.
Jonathan similarly commiserated with the family of Professor Jacob Festus Adeniyi Ajayi, the renowned historian and former vice chancellor of the University of Lagos who died on Sunday.
He urged Ajayi’s family and his many students, friends, associates in academics and colleagues in the field of Nigerian and African history to take solace in the knowledge that in passing on, Ajayi left behind a body of significant works that will stand to his eternal credit and assure him of a lasting place of honour among Africa’s greatest historians.
Jonathan reaffirmed the nation’s enduring gratitude for Ajayi’s notable contributions over many years to the development of education and educational institutions in Nigeria as a lecturer, professor, dean, deputy vice chancellor and vice chancellor at federal universities.
He assured the late professor’s family, relatives, friends and colleagues of the federal government’s full solidarity and sympathy as they mourn the very eminent historian and 1993 winner of the Distinguished Africanist Award.
He also prayed that God Almighty receive Ajayi’s gentle soul and grant him eternal rest.
