Encomium
The late Bolarinwa Babalakin, former Justice of the Supreme Court, who passed on last week, was a public servant of repute, who lived a remarkable life, President Muhammadu Buhari has said.
The President had Friday despatched a delegation led by former Lagos State Governor and Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, to the Lagos home of the Babalakins, to express his condolence.
Other members of the team were Chief Sunday Dare, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, and Mr Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.
Delivering the President’s message, Minister Fashola said: “We are here to convey Mr President’s message on the passage of your father, grandfather, and an outstanding family man, a great man, a public servant of repute.
“Nigeria is diminished by his passing, but his legacy will be appreciated for many generations to come. May you find comfort and solace in his truly remarkable life.”
The Federal Government team was received by renowned lawyer and captain of industry, Dr Wale Babalakin, and other family members.
Dr Babalakin said he was speaking on behalf of the children, grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren of the departed jurist, who died at 94, expressing profound gratitude to President Buhari “for deeming it fit to send a condolence team to a man who left public service 29 years ago. It’s a mark of great honor.”
He added: “We are greatly consoled by how my father prepared for his final departure. He had absolute belief in his faith, and always said his final day was in the hands of Almighty Allah.
“When he turned 80, he had joked that he was already staying overtime. He was extremely grateful to God for the time he got.”
Minister Fashola led the team in prayers for the family.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
