Hurray! The Asiwaju of NLS Class '78 is 78 today!
I join countless others in celebrating a truly remarkable man, leader, and friend, Asiwaju Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo, SAN, as he marks his 78th birthday.
My journey with Asiwaju dates back to 1997, when he graciously led me in some pre-election matters before the Federal High Court, Maiduguri. From that moment, a bond was forged that has stood the test of time – one like a tube and tyre, firmly bound both professionally and personally.
Over the years, Asiwaju has been more than a colleague. He has been a father figure, a confidant, and a dependable friend. He attended my important milestones, chaired my son, Madu’s wedding with joy and generosity, and when tragedy struck with the loss of my wife, Janada of blessed memory, at the twilight of the Boko Haram attack on the Chibok girls, he was among the very first to fill the gap with his presence in my hometown, Lassa, offering comfort that words could never convey. Even in December last year, when I took Christine to the altar, he was one of the first to be at all the nuptial events.
On the professional front, he witnessed and counselled me on how I took silk in 1998. We have stood on opposing sides in the courtroom, yet he has never failed to carry us along with grace, mutual respect, and unwavering collegiality. His character has taught me – and many others – that the noble profession of law is greater than rivalry, and that friendship must always transcend the temporary walls of litigation.
Beyond our personal relationship, Asiwaju has left an indelible mark on the Nigerian legal profession. A fearless advocate, he has made significant contributions to the development of constitutional and electoral jurisprudence in Nigeria. His voice has consistently enriched discourse on justice, the rule of law, and the independence of the Bar. As a mentor, he has nurtured countless younger lawyers, guiding them with wisdom, patience, and integrity. His leadership within the profession has advanced the dignity of the silk, strengthened the unity of the Bar, and inspired generations to approach the practice of law with courage, fairness, and humanity.
It is also fitting to recall his historic role as Chair of the Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries that midwifed the settlement of the NBA’s leadership crisis. That crisis, which began in Port Harcourt in 1992, lingered for years, until he and his committee members finally resolved it in 1998. For this reason, I fondly nicknamed him the “Chief Ernest Shonekan of the Legal Profession,” for like Chief Ernest Shonekan’s interim stewardship of Nigeria, Asiwaju’s bridge-building leadership restored stability to our Association. More recently, as the immediate past Chairman of the Body of Benchers, he brought great innovation, diligence, and foresight to the Bar’s highest regulatory body, achieving tremendously and leaving behind a proud legacy of institutional strengthening.
It is also noteworthy to mention that his legacies and impact, as the first Attorney General of Osun State, are still being felt today.
I must equally pay tribute to the rare blessing he shares with his dear wife, Chief Victoria Awomolo, SAN – together, they are two of a kind, both eminent Senior Advocates, complementing one another in a way that inspires admiration within and outside the profession.
I have had the privilege of visiting him in his beloved hometown of Igbajo in Osun State, where I witnessed first-hand his deep-rooted humility, cultural pride, and love for community. From that visit, I also treasure a special souvenir – the hand bell he gifted me - the type that was used during morning assemblies and to signify specific time for activities during my primary school days. To this day, I use it at our office meetings to signal the commencement and end of proceedings, and each time, it reminds me of Asiwaju’s thoughtfulness, heritage, and enduring presence in my life.
Asiwaju, at 78, your life remains a testament to resilience, faith, and dedication – to the Bar, to your family, to justice, and to all of us who are privileged to call you friend. May God continue to grant you strength, health, and the joy of seeing the fruit of your labours.
Happy birthday, Leader of leaders, my dear elder brother and friend. May the years ahead be even more fulfilling and rewarding. Igba Odun, Odun Kan.
With deepest admiration,
Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, OFR, SAN, Life Bencher, C.Arb.
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