The family of a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the federation, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) on Tuesday declared that the legal luminary died peacefully of natural causes.
DAILY POST had reported that Akinjide, a native of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital died in the early hours of Tuesday, 21st April, 2020 at the age of 88.
Akinjide, a lawyer who introduced the 12/3 formula to resolve the electoral imbroglio between the two presidential candidates; Alhaji Sheu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and Chief Obafemi Awolowo of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) at the Supreme Court in 1979 later became the Minister of Justice during the second Republic.
Eminent Nigerians including President Muhammadu Buhari, former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, Olubadan of Ibadan land and the immediate past Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi had all eulogized the virtues of the deceased.
But, the family of the deceased while reacting, insisted that Akinjide died peacefully of natural causes.
The family while speaking on the death, described the deceased as a beloved and an inspiration to the family members.
The family in a statement signed by Abayomi Akinjide on behalf of the family, noted that the deceased devoted himself to the legal profession and Nigeria.
The statement made available to DAILY POST in Ibadan, added that in view of the prevailing circumstances, nationally and internationally, funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
“Call to Glory of Chief Richard Osuolale Abimbola Akinjide CON, SAN.
“With gratitude to God Almighty, the children of Chief Richard Osuolale Abimbola Akinjide CON, SAN, announce that on Tuesday, 21st April, 2020, Daddy passed on to the glory of God.
“Our Daddy died peacefully of natural causes. We are truly thankful to God for his life. He was beloved and an inspiration to us all. He devoted himself to our mother, our family, the legal profession and Nigeria.
“Until his death, our Daddy lived an accomplished and fulfilled life as a lawyer, arbitrator, politician and statesman.
“The outpouring of public and private tributes and encomiums demonstrate how he was loved and highly respected ,providing comfort and solace for the family. In light of the prevailing circumstances, nationally and internationally, funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
“Please continue to remember us in your prayers”.