…Gov Fayemi congratulates legal luminary
…Falana, Ozekhome, Yusuf Ali, Niyi Akintola; Ahmed Raji, Lateef Fagbemi, Oyetibo, others eulogise legal colossus
President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with the former President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), on the occasion of his 70th birthday on Thursday, November 18, 2021.
The President also saluted Olanipekun, saying that it is remarkable that the legal icon’s life is dedicated to jurisprudence and service to the country, which has pedestaled him as a former Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, one time NBA President, Vice President, Pan African Lawyers Union, Life Bencher among others.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, Buhari also said that it is important to note that Olanipekun is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) of repute and and a worthy Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
In the statement made available last night, Adesina said, “ President Buhari commends the erudite lawyer for replicating himself in his four biological offspring, who are all lawyers, with two having attained the learned silk status of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
“He also notes that numerous other lawyers have passed through his chambers, and doing exploits in the legal profession.
“President Buhari felicitates with the entire Olanipekun family, their friends, associates, and the legal profession in general, urging all and sundry to emulate the commitment of the new octogenarian in using law to bring succor to innumerable people, and touching other lives through philanthropy.
“He wishes Chief Olanipekun longer life in good health, and greater service to God, and to humanity.”
Congratulatory messages have also been pouring from the legal circles as senior lawyers and learned friends have sent warm greetings to Olanipekun- one of their own who has contributed immensely to the legal profession.
The lawyers include: Mr Femi Falana (SAN); Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN); Mr Yusuf Ali (SAN); Mr Ahmed Raji (SAN); Prof Yemi Akinseye George (SAN); Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN); Mr Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) and Bar Wahab Shittu.
Meanwhile, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has congratulated Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN).
In a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, Fayemi described Olanipekun as a highly successful lawyer, pragmatic leader and a cheerful giver whose life continues to inspire many people.
Describing the erudite lawyer as one of the distinguished sons of Ekiti which the state is ever so proud of, Fayemi said Olanipekun is a man of excellence, service, and distinctions who has contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of Ekiti State and remains a shinning example to the younger generation.
The Governor also urged the younger generation to emulate Olanipekun’s diligence, professionalism, patriotism, commitment to excellence and generosity of spirit.
Fayemi said, “Chief Olanipekun’s life exemplifies the Ekiti values of hard work, enterprise, integrity, courage, industry, honesty, respect, nobility, and community service.
“The story of his life depicts that of the finest Ekiti spirit and is one that provides a worthy example to the next generation.
“There is no doubt that he is one of Nigeria’s most astounding legal icons with track records that are emulative and inspiring.
“I commend Chief Olanipekun’s numerous philanthropic gestures through scholarship awards, professional development, donations to community development, and promotion of good causes.
“On behalf of my wife, the government, and good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate this great son of Ekiti on his 70th birthday and wish him many more years in the service of God and humanity.”
