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ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION, MR YAKUBU CHONOKO MAIKYAU, OON, SAN, DELIVERED AT THE VALEDICTORY COURT SESSION HELD IN HONOUR OF THE LATE MR KOLAWOLE SHOLA OKEAYA-INNEH, SAN ON 26 JANUARY 2024 AT THE HIGH COURT OF EDO STATE, BENIN CITY
PROTOCOLS
My Lord, the Honourable, the Chief Judge of Edo State, Honourable Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, and My Lords, the Judges of Edo State Judiciary herein sitting en banc, I stand before my Lords today with mixed feelings to pay last respects to a revered member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the very cerebral Mr Kolawole Shola Okeaya-Inneh, SAN, who transited from this side of eternity on 4 December 2023.
Although I have never interacted closely with Mr Okeaya Inneh, SAN, since his passing, I have heard and read many wonderful testimonials from people who had the opportunity to know and interact with him in his lifetime. His was, undoubtedly, a life well-lived, and he has left positive footprints in the sands of time – in his family, the legal profession, and his community.
The only time I had the opportunity of meeting with him was in 2022. He prayed with me, and I must say, there cannot be a better moment anyone can share with a man who had dedicated his life to the service of humanity from the standpoint of the fear of God in his heart.
Called to the Nigerian Bar in January 1964, Mr Okeaya-Inneh was conferred with the prestigious honour of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, 20 years later on 13 July 1984, making him the foremost legal practitioner of Bini origin to attain the rank. He served as a member of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) and was a member of the Governing Council of the former Bendel State University, Ekpoma.
Although born with the proverbial silver spoon, the learned Senior Advocate carved a niche for himself and rose to greatness through his positive work ethics, professionalism, and consistency.
He had a robust practice wherein he represented clients from all walks of life; serving both the rich and the indigent whom he represented pro bono. He instituted trailblazing cases and participated in matters that resulted in locus classicus decisions. Mr. OkeayaInneh, SAN contributed immensely to the development of the law outside the courtroom by writing legal commentaries, opinions for good governance and the advancement of the Law, and on customary law.
In the words of his bosom friend, Chief (Sir) Alfred O. Eghobamien, SAN, the learned Senior Advocate was “a great Teachers’ Teacher, Lawyers’ Lawyer, a Solicitor per excellence, growing the law and nurturing Justice with tremendous erudition and dexterous prose”. He practiced law candour and fairness – in the finest traditions of the Bar, upholding the honour and dignity of the legal profession.
At a time when the Bar and the entire country are in dire need of quality leadership, this is a significant loss. The life of Mr Okeaya-Inneh SAN was such that if you never read the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) but tailored your practice of law after his professional conduct, you would not run afoul of the Rules.
That was how professional he was.
May the peace of God, which is beyond human understanding, protect your hearts and minds through Christ our Lord, Amen.
I thank you all for your attention.
May it please my Lords.
Click on the link to read the full address of the NBA president.
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