Ex-ICPC Chairman Ayoola Left a Lasting Legacy, says Obasanjo

August 22, 2024

By Adedoja Adesoji

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, the late former Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), left a notable legacy.

Obasanjo remarked that the name of the late ICPC chairman was written in gold, honor and dignity.

Justice Ayoola, a prominent and highly respected jurist, passed away at the age of 90 on Tuesday.

In a condolence letter addressed to the Head of the Ayoola Family, Obasanjo expressed his shock upon learning of Ayoola’s death while he was in Congo Brazzaville. A copy of the letter was provided to the media by Obasanjo’s Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Thursday.

President Bola Tinubu, alongside other notable Nigerians and individuals from various backgrounds, have gathered to mourn Ayoola’s death.

Obasanjo, who appointed Ayoola as ICPC chairman during his presidency, noted that throughout his public service career, Ayoola displayed exceptional leadership, wisdom, and experience.

Obasanjo said, “While I am deeply saddened by his passing, I find solace in knowing he lived a full and impactful life dedicated to his community, state, nation, and humanity. As mortals, we cannot question the will of Almighty God.”

He added, “In a country rich with talented individuals, Justice Ayoola stood out as a true patriot who had a significant presence both nationally and internationally.”

Obasanjo described Ayoola as a distinguished Nigerian, an icon of integrity and righteousness, whose life was devoted to serving the nation. He was a role model and a nationalist.

Obasanjo continued, “History will remember him as a Nigerian who exemplified the pinnacle of national achievement and was among the rare few who combined dedication, commitment, and excellence in their endeavors.”

He praised Ayoola as a self-made man with an inspiring profile as a jurist, scholar, and pioneering administrator.

Throughout his career, Ayoola held many prominent positions, including Judge of the High Court of Western Nigeria in 1976, Judge of the High Court of Oyo State, Justice of the Court of Appeal of the Gambia (1980–1983), Chief Justice of the Gambia (1983–1992), Vice President of the World Judges Association in 1991, President of the Court of Appeals of Seychelles, Justice of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria (1992–1998), and Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (1998–2003), retiring at the age of 70.

Immediately after his retirement, he became Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria (2003–2005) and was later appointed by Obasanjo in 2005 to head the ICPC, a body established to combat corruption in Nigeria.

In all his roles, Justice Ayoola earned the respect and confidence of both Nigerians and non-Nigerians through his hard work, professional excellence, and dedication.

Obasanjo concluded, “Throughout his public service career, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, wisdom, and experience, marked by his unwavering commitment and courage. His name, honored with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, and guidance.”