In a gathering marked by reflection, admiration, and national pride, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State joined dignitaries across Nigeria to honor the memory and legacy of the late legal colossus, Prince Bola Ajibola, SAN, KBE, CFR, at the public launch of his autobiography titled “Tribulations and Trophies: Bola Ajibola… In His Own Words!”
The grand event, held on April 10, 2025, at the Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together former presidents, governors, ministers, diplomats, legal scholars, and captains of industry in an emotional celebration of a man whose life defined selfless service, judicial excellence, and international diplomacy.
The autobiography, a deeply personal chronicle of Prince Ajibola’s life and career, was reviewed by Prof. Auwalu Yadudu, Vice-Chancellor of Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, who underscored the book’s intellectual richness and inspirational weight.
Governor Adeleke, represented by his Senior Legal Adviser, Debo Oladinni, Esq., delivered a powerful goodwill message that praised the work not just as a biography, but as a “gift of wisdom” for the nation and the world. He encouraged readers to see beyond the pages and absorb the essence of Prince Ajibola’s principled life and remarkable career.
The ceremony was chaired by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, Nigeria’s former President, who offered moving recollections of his long-standing friendship and partnership with Prince Ajibola, recounting their collaboration in national service and global diplomacy.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, Nigeria’s immediate past Vice President, who captivated the audience with an extempore speech that masterfully traced the remarkable impact of Prince Ajibola’s intellect, moral compass, and contributions to Nigeria’s legal and political systems.
Other eminent voices who paid glowing tributes to Prince Ajibola included:
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Aremo Olusegun Osoba, CON (Former Governor of Ogun State)
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Governor Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State)
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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State)
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Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Alhaji Ibikunle Amosun, CON, and Babatunde Raji Fashola – all former governors of Ogun and Lagos respectively
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Prof. Ibrahim Gambari (former Chief of Staff to the President)
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Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN (Attorney-General & Minister for Justice)
Prince Ajibola’s career spanned the pinnacle of Nigerian and international legal circles—he was a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, a Judge at the International Court of Justice, The Hague, and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK. His distinguished service remains a lodestar for both present and future generations.
Newspot Nigeria proudly celebrates the life and legacy of Prince Bola Ajibola, and echoes Governor Adeleke’s call to use his story as a catalyst for integrity, service, and purposeful leadership.
Full Press Statement
Governor Ademola Adeleke, on 10th April, 2025, delivered a perfectly pitched and warmly received goodwill message at the launch of the autobiography- “Tribulations and Trophies, Bola Ajibola…In His Own Words!” of a first-class advocate, seasoned jurist and legal titan of repute, Prince Bola Ajibola, SAN, KBE, CFR (of blessed memory).
The said event which took place at the Ballroom, Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos attracted notable political figures, captains of industry, legal juggernauts, amongst others. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, former President of Nigeria chaired the august occasion, taking the audience of eminent personalities down memory lane, as he pulled out of his hat, the unique experiences shared between Prince Ajibola and himself.
The Keynote Address was delivered by the immediate past Vice-President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, who held the distinguished audience spellbound with his oratory prowess, speaking extempore about the life and times of Prince Ajibola.
Governor Adeleke, in his goodwill message delivered by Debo Oladinni, Esq. (Senior Legal Adviser), commended Prince Ajibola for bequeathing to the world his autobiography, which chronicled in painstaking detail, his eventful odyssey on earth. His Excellency stated in part thus:
“This captivating autobiography, born from two decades of thoughtful reflection, is more than just a recounting of events. It is a gift – a gift of wisdom, a gift of experience, and a gift of inspiration. Within these pages, I am certain we will find not only the triumphs, but also the challenges, the “tribulations” that shaped his character and ultimately paved the way for the “trophies” he so deservedly earned…let us not just read the words, but let us absorb the spirit of the man behind them. Let us be motivated by his unwavering dedication to his principles, his resilience in the face of adversity, and his enduring belief in the power of service to humanity. Prince Ajibola’s eventful and noteworthy sojourn on earth reminds us that true leadership is not about titles or positions, but about the impact we have on the lives of others. It is about the values we uphold, the sacrifices we make, and the legacy we leave behind. His story is a powerful call to action for all of us to strive for excellence, to serve with integrity, and to leave our own corner of the world a little better than we found it… May his words continue to inspire generations to come, and may his legacy of devotion, courage, and unwavering integrity forever shine brightly.”
Other eminent dignitaries who extoled Prince Bola Ajibola, SAN, KBE, CFR, speaking glowingly about his noteworthy achievements, which will forever remain etched in the sand of time, include but are not limited to: His Excellency, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, CON (former Governor of Ogun State); His Excellency, Dr. Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State; His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu, the Governor of Lagos State; His Excellency, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (former Governor of Lagos State and Minister for Works and Housing); His Excellency, Alhaji Ibikunle Amosun, CON (former Governor of Ogun State); His Excellency, Otunba Gbenga Daniel (former Governor of Ogun State) Prof. Ibrahim Gambari (former Chief of Staff to the President, 2020-2023) and Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney-General & Minister for Justice. Prof. Auwalu Yadudu, a renowned Professor of law and Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State discharged the task of reviewing the autobiography of Prince Ajibola creditably well.
Prince Bola Adesumbo Ajibola, SAN, KBE, CFR, was a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Judge of the International Court of Justice, in The Hague, High Commissioner of Nigeria to the United Kingdom.
Debo Oladinni, Esq.
10th April, 2025
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