It is with great sadness that I make tribute this day in honour of late Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, SAN. I am sad not because he was too young to die but because he died at a time the nation is going through a lot of infantile challenges that needed patriotic, selfless and devoted Nigerians like him to deploy his wealth of experience in nation building and leadership in aid of these challenges.
Late Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, SAN was a father, role model, detribalized Nigerian and national hero. He had while alive distinguished himself in various stages of human endeavour both as a public servant and a private Legal Practitioner. He was a lawyers’ lawyer who had mentored younger lawyers that have today become phenomenon themselves and risen to the highest echelon in the legal profession.
He was a man of unbridled exploits and excellence. He was an epitome of intellectualism and accomplishment. He served the nation in many capacities and was a four time Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to wit; Minister of Education, Minister of Science and Technology, Minister of Transport and Aviation and as Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
Late Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, SAN was privileged to be the first Senior Advocate of Nigeria of Northern origin. His demise is not just a loss to the Igala Nation of Kogi State from where he originated but the nation Nigeria as a whole. We have indeed lost a legal colossus and a humanitarian of incomparable pedigree.
In the words of William Shakespeare in one of his literary works “Julius Caesar” he said:
“Death is a necessary end, will come when it will come”.
It has thus pleased God Almighty to call our father and hero home. We are consoled by the fact that he died a fulfilled man and at a ripe age. His legacies and giant strides in all facets of human live, remain enviable and indelible.
It is my prayer that God in his infinite mercy grant him eternal rest.
Adieu my hero, my pride!
Chief Ogwu James Onoja, SAN
(Agenyi Attah of Igala Kingdom)
27th January, 2021.