By Julius Alabi
Akure
It was encomium galore at the valedictory court session held in honour of the late Olowo of Owo, Oba (Dr) David Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi. He was a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
The late Monarch was a teacher of Law to many legal luminaries in both the Bar and the Benches
In his address at the occasion, the Ondo state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu described the late Olowo as a Monarch with exemplary leadership qualities
According to him, late Oba Victor Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi has made an outstanding impact in the legal profession with a comprehensive understanding of the legal profession.
The governor described the late Royal Father as a true patriot, revered monarch and an illustrious son of the state who would be missed by all.
Akeredolu who titled his speech ‘Celebrating a great Scholar and Patriot,’ at the special court session held at the State High Court, Akure, noted that the occasion was not to mourn but to celebrate the life and times of a true patriot, statesman, revered monarch and an illustrious son of the state.
He, however, noted that it was regrettable and painful that the traditional ruler quietly joined his ancestors at a time when the task of nation-building calls for men of deep intellect, broad knowledge and experience like the late monarch.
Arakunrin Akeredolu said the late Olowo of Owo devoted his life to the service of humanity and served in several capacities before and during his reign as the Olowo of Owo.
He equally added that, as the Chairman of Council of Obas, the late monarch promoted peace throughout the state and stood for truth and justice throughout his tenure, while successive governments in the state including the present administration benefited a lot from his wealth of experience and knowledge.
“The highly cerebral king devoted his life to the service of humanity. He served in several capacities before and during his reign as the Olowo of Owo. Apart from being the former Secretary Council of Legal Education, he was former General Secretary Nigerian Association of Law Teachers, Deputy Director General for Africa International Biographical Centre, England, former Chancellor, University of Benin, and former Chairman Ondo State Council of Obas,” the Governor added.
Several other bodies which included, the Body of Benchers, Association of Senior Advocates of Nigeria and Members of Nigerian Bar Association, Owo Branch took the turn to pay glowing tributes to the late Paramount Ruler of the Ancient Kingdom of Owo.