Eminent Jurist, Prince Bola Abdul Jabbar Ajibola (SAN) died a few days back. And his 8th Day Fidau was held in Abeokuta on Sunday, 16th April, 2023 at the Crescent University.
Many don’t know that in his lifetime he was well respected not only by Lawyers, but by the Muslim community across Nigeria.
At the 8th Day Fidau, many Islamic leaders revealed what many don’t know about Prince Bola Ajibola.
S.O. Aweda revealed how Prince Bola Ajibola was born into the Ayoloye/Afelele Royal Family of Owu in Abeokuta, His Excellency Judge AbdulJabbar Bolasodun Adesumbo Atanda Ajibola SAN, KBE, LL.D, D.Litt, FNIALS, FCIArb, CFR, came into the world in the afternoon on 22 March 1934 in Lagos Island, Lagos.
He was brought up in the home of a highly disciplined colonial police officer and devout Muslim, who later became the Olowu of Owu Kingdom in Abeokuta, Oba AbdulSalami Adewunmi Ajibola, Gbadela II, whose glorious reign lasted for 23 years (1949-1972). Judge Ajibola attended Owu Baptist Day School, Ita-Iyalode and the Baptist Boys’ High School, Oke-Egunya, both in Owu, Abeokuta for his primary and secondary education respectively. In spite of the strong Christian traditions of the Schools he attended, which was instrumental to the conversion of many of his peers to Christianity, Judge Ajibola never abandoned his Islamic faith from birth till he returned to his Lord. He set out early in life to strive for the betterment of humanity and he worked briefly with the government of Western Nigeria and later as a teacher in Lagos after High School, before proceeding for higher education in the United Kingdom between 1958 and 1962. He studied Law at the Holborn College of Law, University of London and was called to the English Bar at Lincoln’s Inn, in the year 1962. He returned to his homeland and became a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1963.
Judge Bola Ajibola began his practice as a lawyer in Nigeria in the chambers of the late Chief O.B.Akin-
Olugbade before establishing his famous law firm, Bola Ajibola & Co. He became very successful in both Corporate and International Law, and he is reckoned with as “the Father of Arbitration in Nigeria”.
He is widely renowned and respected all over the world for his legal and adjudicatory services. He was very active in the Nigerian Bar Association and became the President of the respected body of ‘learned gentlemen’ in 1984. As a lawyer, he was known for his principled stand on the rights of men, the rule of law and supremacy of the Constitution. These attributes contributed to his appointment as the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a position in which he served from 1985 to 1991 .
In the year 1991, the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA, acknowledged his towering credentials and voted for Judge Bola Ajibola against three other judges to become a Judge of the International Court of Justice (the ICJ), otherwise known as the World Court in The Hague, Netherlands. He also became a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration also in The Hague and after his tenure in the ICJ, he continued to serve the Court in several ad-hoc capacities. Judge Ajibola was a leading Arbitrator of the International Chambers of Commerce in Paris, France. He was the President of World Jurists Association and was a member and first non-white President of the World Bank Administrative Tribunal in Washington DC, USA.
During the Bosnian War in Europe, he became a Judge ofthe Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with two other Judges of the ICJ, Abdullah Fikr El-Khani of Syria and Francois Rigaux of Belgium. In 1994, with his establishment of African Concern, a charitable non-governmental organisation aimed at finding African solutions to the problems of Africans on the continent, Judge Ajibola began formally his widely acclaimed efforts in the area of humanitarian services. The African Concern was established in Lusaka, Zambia and its impact was greatly felt by Africans displaced from their homes or countries as a result of civil wars. The Oru Refugee Camp, near Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, benefitted a lot from the activities of the African Concern. The Islamic Mission for Africa (IMA), originally named the Islamic Movement for Africa, followed in 1996 and this was crowned with the establishment of Crescent University as a private tertiary institution in the year 2005.
THE BIRTH OF ISLAMIC MISSION FOR AFRICA (IMA)
At the expiration of his tenure in the International Court of Justice in 1994, Judge Ajibola, then aged 60, felt he would want to devote the remainder of his life solely to the service of Islam and humanity and instead of returning home from The Hague, he first travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform the Lesser Hajj (Umrah) and thank Allah for His favours and seek His further guidance. Alas, upon completion of Umrah and returning to The Hague before his final departure for Nigeria, he had met a retinue of letters of appointments into various roles and duties, all of which kept him preoccupied with the ICJ assignments for another ten years. Thus were his prayers answered with assignments which brought him resources to embark upon the next phase of his life.
The Islamic Mission for Africa (IMA) was born on December 13, 1996. Its birth resulted from the crystallisation of the inner thoughts of Judge Ajibola. The growth of this Islamic organisation in more
than two and a half decades of existence has seen it through regular radio programmes, the first of which was AI- Tanzil (The Revelation). Next was the establishment of the IMA Research Centre and its component facilities which includes the Bola Ajibola Library and Audio-Visual Centre; Oba Gbadela II Multi-purpose Hall; Alhaja Adikatu Ajibola Guest Chalet; the IMA International Nursery and Primary School; IMA International Model College; the IMA Hospital; the imposing Masjid AI-Jabbar which occupies the heart of the Centre; and finally, the establishment of a tertiary institution, Crescent University, Abeokuta, which on June 1, 2005 got the approval of the Federal Executive Council through the grant of a Licence to operate as a Private University.
MISSION STATEMENT
The spirit behind the establishment of the Islamic Mission for Africa (IMA) is to promote the virtues and beauty of Islam through Research, Training, Publicity and Enlightenment, through the organs of Mass Communication and Information Technology for the better understanding and wide acceptance of Islam. IMA predisposes itself into showcasing Islam as a way of life and for the eradication of ignorance, prejudice, hostility and apathy against “The First and Last Religion” for mankind.
THE PHILOSOPHY
The concept of IMA is hinged on the promotion of Islam as a Religion of Peace, as Religion of Excellence and as a beautiful Religion. It is also meant to present Islam as a friendly religion that promotes togetherness, harmony and concord. The organisation presents Islam in its pristine form as a pure monotheistic religion that seeks to make the world a place of peace. IMAis also out to make man embrace that which is good and to eschew evil so as to have a blissful end in the Hereafter.
THE IMA
RESEARCH CENTRE
The Islamic Mission for Africa Research Centre, Abeokuta which was commissioned on June 16, 2001 is modelled after the Islamic Research Centre in Markfield, Leicester, United Kingdom but it is broader in terms of constituent facilities. While the Centre in Leicester is limited in scope to research and training, the IMA Research Centre, Abeokuta as stated above has additional facilities to create more social and cultural impacts peculiar to the problems of Islam in Africa.
With the departure of our President and Founder, His Excellency Judge Abdul Jabbar Bolasodun Adesumbo Ajibola, the organisation will continue to be led by its new President, Barr. (Prince) Muhammed Mahruf Adesegun Ajibola, SAN, who before now has presided in acting capacity. May Allah grant him and everyone with him on this endeavour, tremendous success.”
Prof. Muslih Tayo Yahya, the Executive Secretary/CEO of Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, wrote: With a profound sense of sadness, we mourn the passIng of Judge Abdul Jabbar Bola Ajlbola. one of Nigeria’s finest legal minds and former MinIster of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation. Judge Ajibola was the immediate Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoTs) of the Muslim Ummah of South est Nigeria (MUSWEN).”
“Jude Ajibola’s exemplary contributions to the growth of Islam In Nigeria and Africa, as a whole exemplified by his establishment of the Islamic Mission for Africa (IMA) in Abeokura Is outstanding. He dedicated his Ufe to the course of the Muslim Ummah and worked tirelessly to promote unity and religious harmony across the country and the continent of Africa. His numerous achievements and legildes will remain forever etched in the annals of history.”
“Judge Afibola was a visionary leader and a trailblazer whose impact on the Nigerian Muslim community cannot be overstated. As a man of principle, courage, and action, he was a shining example of what could be achieved when passion, determination, skill, and punctuality are brought together In the service of a noble course.”
“One of the most significant contributions of Judge Ajibola while serving as a Judge of the International Court of Justice (IeJ) was his efforts toward the improvement of the global Justice system. At the World Court, h worked tirelessly to promote the course of justice and the advancement of International law. His legal expertise and unwavering commitment to justice and fairness earned him the respect and admiration of people all over the world.”
“In Nigeria, Judge Ai/bola was well respected Within the legal community for his exceptional legal knowledge and for his role as former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation. As Minister, he championed legal reforms that advanced the course o] Justice, democracy, and good governance in Nigeria. His contributions to the development of the Nigerian legal system remain, significant and memorable.
As the immediate past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of MUSWEN, Judge “Ilboia significantly promoted religious harmony and peaceful co-existence between Muslims and people of other faiths. Under his able leadership, MUSWEN worked tirelessly to Improve the welfare of Muslims In the South West region of Nigeria.
Judge Alibola as a devout Muslim lived his life in accordance with the teachings of Islam. He was a man of great faith, humility and compassion, and he always put the needs of others before his own. His
commitment to the course of the Muslim Ummah, his exemplary leadership, and his unwavering commitment to justice and fairness will continue to Inspire countless Nigerians for generations-to come. On behalf of the President of MUSWEN and the entire Ummah, I extend our deepest condolences to Judge Ajibola’s family, friends, and loved ones. May Allah grant him eternal peace and a place in Janat al·Flrdaus, and may He grant his family, friends, and loved ones the strength and patience to bear this Irreparable loss. Judge Aiibola’s passing is a great 1055 to the Nigerian Muslim Community and the nation as a whole”.
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) B-Zone said Prince Bola Ajibola is leaving a Legacy of Service & Dedication. “We are deeply saddened by the passing away of one of our fathers, a prominent ex-Jurist and Islamic philanthropist who has left an indelible mark on the development of Islam and Muslims. Prince Judge Bola Abdul Jabbar Ajibola (SAN, KBE, D.Sc. D.Litt, FNIALS, FCIArb, CFR). His contribitions to the religion and society, both in terms of scholarship and charitable work, are immeasurable, and his loss will be felt by many.”
“Prince Bola Ajibola was a towering figure in the world of humanity and Islamic philanthropy, and his contribution to the promotion of Islamic values and humanity worldwide are immeasurable. He delicated his entire life to the service of Allah and his fellow human beings,and his commitment to the betterment of humanity will always will be remembered. He was a great supporter of education, healthcare, and social welfare programs, and his efforts have touched the lives of countless individuals and communities. He embodied the values of compassion, generousity, and selflessness that are at the heart of Islamic teachings and his legacy will continue to inspire and guide us all. His life was a testament to the power of faith and the transformative potential of philanthropy.”
“The world has lost another true gem. But we take solace in the knowledge that his good deeds, good legacy and exemplary life will continue to inspire, benefit countless individuals and communities and guide generations to come. His dedication and commitment to the betterment of society will be sorely missed. We pray that Allah grant him a place in Jannah and accept his contributions towards His paths.
We pray that Allah grant him eternal peace and rest, and that his good deeds and contributions towards the path of Allah are accepted and rewarded. We also pray for his family, friends, and all those affected by this great loss and the institutions he established, that they may find solace and strength in this trying time”.
The Press Release was signed by Barrister Qaasim Odedeji, (Amir B-Zone), Alhaji Abdul-Jalil Abdur-Rasaq (Secretary, MSSN B-Zone) and Brother Moshood Tahir, (PRO, MSSN B-Zone).
Ogun State Muslim Council described him as An Islamic Colossus. “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayihi Rajium ‘. (We surely belong to Allah and to Him we shall return) The above scriptural expression explains the passage of an illustrious son of Africa, Envoy, Jurist, Administrator, Pillar of Islam and yet a Prince.
“Prince Bola Ajibola was born great, he achieved greatness and he had it thrown to him. Again this seemingly idiom is true of Prince Bola Ajibola who was born with silverpoon in his mouth, earned his greatness and divinely destined to be great.”
“Even though, he was not quite known as a Muslim (faithful) because he was answering the names “Bola Ajibola”, however his life and work, especially in his later year showcased him a Muslim, He was named” Abdul-Jabbar”, meaning a “Compeller”, and through to his name, his Islamic commitment and devotion compelled him to found Islamic Mission for Africa (IMA) Prince’s NGO for Islamic propagation, promotion and Muslims’ advancement. Again Prince Bola Ajibola also tablished Crescent University, Abeokuta (CUAB), a citadel of learning of Islamic Mission for Africa (IMA) that prides itselfas the first Islamic University in Nigeria.”
“Prince Abdul Jabbar Bola Ajibola’s contributions to Islam transcends the establishment of IMA and CUAB, He championed and supported many Islamic causes, projects and programme. He sponsored a Radio Programme (Al- Tanzil- The Revelation) on OGBC in the emerging years of IMA. He gave out scholarship opportunities to several individuals, both in and outside Crescent. University, Abeokuta. He equally facilitated similar opportunity for individuals to study in overseas”.
“He had the title of Baruwa of Egba Muslims and the “Caliph”, He was patron to many Islamic Organisations too numerous to mention. He was Chairman Board of Trustees (BOT) of Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSMEN), the prestigious position he held before he stepped down due to old age and indisposition”.
“A devotee, philanthropist and an embodiment of virtues who exhibited “taqwa” (fear of Allah) in all his undertakings. Little wonder, he sold all he had, having raised good children, to commence and support his initiatives at advancement of humanity faith propagation and promotion.
It was Alhaji Kamardeen Akintunde, the Secretary-General that signed.
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