Doyen of Ibadan Bar dies at 83

Chief Bandele Aiku, SAN (Chairman, Body of Benchers 2016-2017, Honourable Commissioner for Works & Lands, Western State, last Attorney General of Western State and 1st Attorney General of Oyo State, passed away on Sunday 22nd January, 2017 at the age of 83.

In a statement by the state attorney general, Dr Olumide Ayeni described the late Senior Advocate as a father, kindly, affable, brilliant, genial and a courageous leader.

“May the Lord God grant his sweet soul a perfect rest in peace and grant my friend and brother, Babatunde Aiku Esq SAN the entire Aiku family as well as us all the fortitude to bear his transition at this hour of grief.”

Tributes have been poured in from various members of the legal profession who continue to extol the virtues of this great practitioner.

Expressing shock at the passing such a great one, the former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu said:

“So, the Grim Reaper finally claims the man we knew as “Immortality” – “A’iku”. Diligent,  foxy, confidante to the great & good,  everyone’s favorite uncle.  His crop of silvery hair gave him a natural wig. Immortality had time for young people. He gave me a lot of time when I first met him at a youth corner in Ibadan 3 decades ago, before his elevation to the ranks of Silk. To my brother, Tunde  & siblings & to the Ibadan Bar & Oyo & Osun States,  sincere condolences. Do also be comforted: Immortality remains immortal!”

The late Aiku, was a revered leader and a titan in the Nigerian legal community.