By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
Nigeria’s oldest practicing lawyer, Pa Tunji Fortunatus Gomez has passed on at the age of 90 years.
His demise was made public on Wednesday by the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos Branch, Chukwuka Ikwuazom.
In a statement announcing the death of Pa Gomez, Ikwuazom said; “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing on of Pa Tunji Gomez. Pa Gomez was until his death yesterday night, the oldest practicing lawyer in Nigeria and a deeply loved member of the Premier Bar.
” The branch had in recognition of his excellent service and uncommon devotion to the branch, celebrated his 90th birthday in style a few months ago.
” Our deepest condolences go to his immediate family. We will greatly miss Pa Gomez and pray that his soul will rest in perfect peace.
” We will make further announcements in due course.”
Born in Lagos on March 18, 1928, late Pa Gomez studied law in London and qualified as a lawyer in 1961. He was a student of Kings College Lagos, a classmate and intimate friend of late Biafran warlord, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in same college.
Until his death, Pa Gomez never ceased to clamour for the scrapping of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) title.
