On Wednesday, July 24th, 2024, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ibadan Branch held a Day of Tribute to honour the late Kunle Ishola Esq, a distinguished senior member of the legal profession whose sudden passing has left the community in deep mourning.
The event was marked by moving speeches and heartfelt memories that celebrated his life and contributions.
In his keynote address, Ibrahim Olatoye Lawal, Chairman of the NBA Ibadan Branch, reflected on the profound impact Mr. Ishola had on the legal community and beyond. He began by expressing the collective shock and sorrow felt upon hearing the news of Mr. Ishola’s passing:
“It was a rude shock when the news of the sudden transition into eternity of our highly revered and eminent senior, Kunle Ishola Esq, was broken to me,” Lawal stated.
Mr. Ishola was lauded for his exemplary career as a court litigator, embodying the ideals of a perfect lawyer. Lawal highlighted his exceptional qualities:
“Mr. Kunle Ishola in his lifetime was a perennial Court litigator and exemplified what a perfect Lawyer should be. His candour, calmness, and adroitness in the way and manner he conducted his Cases in Court were excellent.”
Known for his punctuality and dedication, Mr. Ishola was often the first to arrive at court, ready to engage in the day’s legal battles. Lawal shared personal anecdotes illustrating Mr. Ishola’s commitment:
“Who is that lawyer that gets to Court most times even before the Registrar of Court? It was the vintage Kunle Ishola Esq. Most times, you will find him sitting in his car reading the newspaper for the day or his files while waiting for the door of the Court to be opened for the day’s business. He was never late to Court.”
Mr. Ishola’s expertise in land litigation was unparalleled, and his technical proficiency set him apart as a formidable advocate. Despite his impressive stature and intellectual prowess, Mr. Ishola was known for his humility and willingness to mentor junior lawyers:
“Kunle Ishola Esq was not only a gifted and cerebral advocate but was also a very technical lawyer who knew his onions well. His mastery and domination of Land litigation cases were unrivalled. Despite his intimidating stature and humongous cerebral, his humility and profundity were unparalleled. Most times, you will see him helping juniors in Court on how to manoeuvre their way out of knotty legal hitches/glitches or how to answer unprepared questions that the presiding judge throws at them.”
Mr. Ishola’s camaraderie and sportsmanship were notable, earning him respect from colleagues on both sides of the courtroom. His pro bono work and financial contributions to the Bar further underscored his commitment to justice and community service:
“The Bar has indeed lost one of its great icons as Kunle Ishola Esq undertook several cases for and on behalf of the Bar on a pro Bono basis. His financial contribution and assistance to the Bar are worthy of commendation.”
Lawal also acknowledged Mr. Ishola’s strong relationship with the judiciary and the profound grief felt by judges and magistrates who lost a friend and confidant. He emphasized that the tribute was not just a moment of mourning but a celebration of a life well-lived:
“To many who may not have come across this legend we are paying tributes to today, Kunle Ishola is a reservoir of wisdom and has a deep knowledge of the Law. To Kunle Ishola Esq, we are not here to mourn you but to take solace and thus celebrate your transition into eternity having been assured that you have fulfilled your mission here on earth and the baton is passed over to another.”
The NBA Ibadan Branch extended its deepest condolences to Mr. Ishola’s family, particularly his widow, Mrs. Bola Ishola, Ph.D., and prayed for divine comfort in their time of grief.
Lawal reassured his colleagues that Mr. Ishola’s legacy would continue to inspire the legal community.
He said, “To all my colleagues, rest assured that Kunle Ishola Esq has lived a well-fulfilled life, played his part. This is the story of a man who lived his life as if he will be gone today.”
The Day of Tribute concluded with a collective resolve to honour Mr. Ishola’s memory by upholding the values and dedication he exemplified throughout his illustrious career.
