President Goodluck Jonathan has received with sadness, news of the passing away of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Chike Offodile (SAN), and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Jacob Festus Ade-Ajayi.
A statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, reads: “On behalf of himself and the Federal Government, President Jonathan extends sincere commiserations to Chief Offodile’s family, 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.
“Jonathan joins them in giving thanks to God Almighty for Chief Offodile’s long and fulfilled life in the course of which he distinguished himself in the legal profession and service to his community and fatherland.
“The nation, President Jonathan believes, 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.
“The President prays that God Almighty will grant Chief Offodile peaceful rest from his lengthy labours on earth.”
Jonathan, Abati wrote “similarly commiserates with the family of Prof. Jacob Festus Ade-Ajayi, the renowned historian and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos who passed away on Sunday.
“The President urges them and Prof. Ade Ajayi’s 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, he leaves 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.
“He reaffirms the nation’s enduring gratitude for Prof. 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.
“The President assures Prof. Ajayi’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 prays that God Almighty will receive Prof. Ajayi’s gentle soul and grant him eternal rest.”
