Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has expressed his condolences to President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) and the nation’s judiciary on the passing of former Attorney‑General and Minister for Justice Prince Bola Ajibola, who died early Sunday at the age of 89. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, in Abeokuta, the governor described Ajibola as “a jewel of the Law Profession and an accomplished judicial officer.” He called the loss a significant blow to the judiciary, noting that Ajibola’s contributions to justice administration, philanthropy and education will never be forgotten.
Abiodun also extended his sympathies to the Owu Royal Family, the late minister’s friends, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and members of the Baptist Boys’ High School Old Students Association. He said the legal icon’s death was “saddening, devastating and marked the end of an era,” and that the loss of such a celebrated jurist, judicial activist, public intellectual and elder statesman was a severe blow to all who knew him. “Words cannot adequately convey my heartfelt sorrow over Papa’s death, for he was a kind and beautiful soul who spread love to all who encountered him,” the statement read.
Recalling Ajibola’s distinguished career, Abiodun noted that after serving as President of the Nigerian Bar Association, he became the nation’s top law officer, Attorney‑General and Minister of Justice, before answering the call to higher duties at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. “He was a jewel of the Law Profession and an accomplished judicial officer of prodigious hue. Baba was a go‑getter who delivered on any assignment because he believed service should always come first,” the governor said. He also highlighted Ajibola’s role as a religious influencer and philanthropist, mentioning the establishment of the faith‑based Crescent University in his hometown of Abeokuta.
The governor urged the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, the Olowu‑in‑Council, the Ajibola family and the entire Gbadela Royal Dynasty of Owu to find consolation in the fact that the deceased selflessly served God and humanity throughout his impactful life. “On behalf of the government and people of Ogun State, I commiserate with the immediate family of the deceased on this very huge loss. May Almighty Allah grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Abiodun said.
Prince Bola Ajibola was born on 22 March 1934 in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He attended Baptist Boys High School, Oke Saje, Abeokuta, and the University of London. He served as President of the Nigerian Bar Association from 1984 to 1985, Attorney‑General and Minister of Justice from 1985 to 1991, and as a Judge of the International Court of Justice from 1991 to 1994. He was later appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, serving from 1999 to 2002.
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