IN MEMORY OF ARE DR. (PRINCE) BOLUSANMI ADEGBOFEGA AKIN-OLUGBADE
I am extremely saddened to have to write tribute in memory of my dear brother and friend Bolu.
I have known Bolu since I was eight years old. We were classmates at Corona School. We kept in touch through the years and were classmates again in Law School.
Bolu was incredibly bright, talented, and competitive. He always wanted to be the best at whatever he did and in many ways, he fulfilled his aspirations and dreams with outstanding flourish in academics, professionally and in business.
I was excited to hear from him that he met the Lord Jesus Christ some years ago, and I remember his conversations with me and about his attending Fountain of Life Church near his home.
Bolu will be missed by his wonderful wife and love of his life my sister Ladunni, and their children of whose successes he was endlessly proud, family and friends all over the world, but we are confident that he now lives in joy and peace with the Lord Jesus Christ.
We pray that the Lord will touch and uphold Ladunni and the children and that his memory will be blessed.
Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN
LETTER OF CONDOLENCE
It is with a heavy heart that I write to commiserate with you and the entire family on the sudden transition of your beloved husband, Dr Bolu Akin-Olugbade. A brilliant lawyer successful businessman adroit politician, philanthropist and community leader.
his demise is a great loss not only to his family but also to me personally to Owu Kingdom and all Owu people as well as to Ogun State. His state of origin given Bolu’s pedigree. It is not surprising that the life of his brilliance as a lawyer began to show Itself right from his days at the University of London university of California (Los Angeles) and Cambridge University where he had his legal education.
Ever resourceful and conducting himself with dignity and forthrightness. the late lawyer and business mogul acquired a well deserved reputation for his deep knowledge in legal matters and business acumen. It is thus not surprising that he had the way of ingenious participation in several areas of the economy.
In spite of his privileged background Bolu did not lose the common touch was as passionate in his defence of Nigerian Unity as he was devoted to ms roots. No wonder he actively promoted the history and culture of his local community who also immensely benefited from his wise counsel and generosity. As Aare Ona Kakanfo and a prominent son of Owu Kingdom, our much-respected brother contributed to better understanding and harmony among our people he was a committed and an effective representative of his people and worked for their progress his unfaltering support for the general interest of Owu Kingdom and its Chiefs-in-Council cannot be over-emphasised he was loyal, devoted dedicated and faithful generally to Owu cause and interest as the Chair of Owu Empowerment Committee. he gave in cash and kind Bolu will be greatly missed by hrs community Local Government Area State and the nation in general. All Owu people have lost a great son.
Bolu spent part of his early and youthful years with me in Dodan Barracks while I was at the helm of affairs of Nigeria as a senior military officer and Military Head of State where he enjoyed what I would term as fatherly care and tutelage from me He was such a young man with promising future and he benefitted so much from my experience which he continually and steadily enjoyed until his death Indeed the memory of his fraternity with me as a son With such closeness will continue to linger with me and make his demise particularly painful to me.
The finality of Bolu’s death is difficult to accept, especially as he still had a lot to contribute to his community and nation in general, but we can draw solace from knowing that he left his mark Indelibly on the social and economic landscape of our
beloved country. And he will always be remembered by all Owu people in Abeokuta and everywhere we have Owu settlements.
On behalf of my family, my own behalf, the Owu people in Abeokuta and everywhere else in the world, I extend heartfelt condolences to you and, through you, to the entire Akin-Olugbade family on his bereavement. May Almighty God grant us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and eternal repose to the gentle soul of our dear departed Bolu.
Olusegun Obasanjo
DEEP PAIN IN OUR HEARTS
Words are inadequate to express the deep pain and grief with which I received the sad news of the death of Dr. Bolu Akin-Olugbade on Wednesday, 13 January, 2020. On behalf of my family, the government and good people of Ogun State, I convey our deepest condolences.
Whilst the death of every human being is usually sobering, the passage of Aare Onokakofo of Owu Kingdom is particularly heart-rendering and brings closer home our mortality. The Akin-Olugbade family has lost a leading light, a caring husband and a loving father, the legal profession has been robbed of one of its finest minds, just as the circle of notable philanthropists has shrunk. We are left with the reminiscences of our interactions, the fond memories his name will always evoke, even in death, and the many positive narratives his life and times symbolized. He will be sorely missed.
Nonetheless, our abiding faith in God will see us through this trying time. May Almighty God grant him eternal rest and give the family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear this very sad and painful loss.
Once again, please accept our heartfelt condolences and the assurances of my warmest regards, as always.
Prince Dapo Abiodun
Governor of Ogun State
EXIT OF A COLLOSSUS
I write to commiserate with you and the entire Akin-Olugbade family, on the passage of your dear husband – my brother and friend – the Aare Onakakanfo of Owu kingdom, Prince (Dr.) Bolu Akin-Olugbade on Wednesday, 13th January, 2021 at the age of 64 years.
Your husband was an accomplished Nigerian who made his mark in his profession, as a Lawyer and was also a successful businessman.
He was a community leader and philanthropist in his homestead-Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
As the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Owuland, he was passionate about the growth and development of his community. Though, sad that he succumbed to death at this time, Prince Bolu Akin-Olugbade remains a “Field Marshal” whose immense contributions to various strata of the society will be sorely missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your children and the entire Akin-Olugbade family at this trying moment. It is my prayer that Almighty God will grant him eternal rest, and give you all, the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Once again, please accept our condolences and the assurances of my highest regards. Very sincerely yours,
Senator Ibikunle Amosun ‘CON, FCA
A GEM IS LOST
It is with great shock and a deep sense of awe that I received the news of the passing of a very dear illustrious son of Owu, Chief Boluwasanmi Akin-Olugade, the Aare Onakakanfo, yesterday, 13th January 2021 .. ( I wondered if this was true but alas it was!).
The death of a loved is a painful experience more so of a loving, confident, bold and prolific person … I share in your grief and pray that the Lord in His infinite mercy will up hold you and the entire family and will give you the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
In his life time, Boluwasanmi was a great asset to the Kingdom. He served diligently and selflessly. He was indeed worthy of his position both in Owu Kingdom and general society. He will be sorely missed. We take solace in the fact that he lived a much fulfilled life with great legacies.
All sons and daughters of Owu pray to God Almighty to console the family.
Please accept our condolences.
With personal warm regards,
OBA Dr. OLUSANYA ADEGBOYEGA DOSUNMU,
The Olowu and Paramount Ruler of the Ancient Owu Kingdom
