Tribute to a consumate bar man

On the 18th of March, 2019, the Nigerian Bar Association was sent into shock with the sad news of the death of a legal icon and bar man, in the person of Olumuyiwa Olatokunbo Olowokure, Esq popularly known in the legal industry as O.O. Late O. O. was born 56 years ago to Professor Theophilus […]

On the 18th of March, 2019, the Nigerian Bar Association was sent into shock with the sad news of the death of a legal icon and bar man, in the person of Olumuyiwa Olatokunbo Olowokure, Esq popularly known in the legal industry as O.O.

Late O. O. was born 56 years ago to Professor Theophilus O. Olowokure (Deputy Vice Chancellor of University of Maiduguri), and Mrs Florence B. Olowokure. He was raised as a child in the UK.

He attended the Federal Government College, Maiduguri from where he obtained his secondary school certificate in 1980. He graduated from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-ife in 1985, and was called to the Nigerian Bar on 17th October, 1986. He did his NYSC in Kaduna cutting his teeth in legal practice with the law firm of the current president of the NBA, Paul Usoro & Co, then based in Kaduna. He set up his own law firm, O.O. Olowokure & Co, in 1990.

He was an active bar man who featured prominently in the activities of the NBA as former chairman of NBA Kaduna Branch, member of the National Executive Committee of the NBA for several years, and contested for the office of the national secretary of the NBA in 2012. He was a three times member of the NBA national conference technical planning committee under different administrations, and also a representative of the NBA as a member of the Council for Legal Education.

Without mincing words, O.O. was one of the finest legal professionals in the industry. He gave life to the appellation ‘Gentleman of the Bar’, and exhibited the best traits of a good and erudite lawyer. He was highly knowledgeable, logical, analytical, firm and yet respectful in the presentation of his arguments in courts and meetings. He was a Bar philanthropist who sponsored many branch programmes from his personal purse and donated generously to support several worthy causes and projects of the NBA, Kaduna Branch.

He was a member of the advisory council of the Young Wig Magazine, a legal publication established by young lawyers to enrich the practice of legal professionals across the country. When no one believed in the cause, he sponsored the print of the first edition and asked members of the team to distribute copies of the magazine free to young lawyers at the Annual General Conference held in Port Harcourt.

His legal practice had its base in Kaduna State, in the popular ‘ten storey’ building of Ahmadu Bello Way. His law firm was among the highest paying firms in the state, with no complains by his employees for lack of welfare, or non-payment of salaries as at when due. When this writer came to Kaduna jurisdiction, I approached him to be my mentor, and he took me under his pupilage as a protégé constantly guiding my legal steps in the profession; even when we had divergent views, he was always poised and calm in showing me the errors of my ways.

He was not just a great leader of the Kaduna branches, he was an exceptional, fantastic mentor, and a man of immense humanity. He was pragmatic, listening, and a charismatic leader who impacted noble qualities of humility, integrity, transparency, and love in all who were privileged to cross paths with him. And in all these, he never sought accolades for the selfless service to the Bar.

Not many have the attributes of this good man called O.O. ‘Why do the good die young?’ someone asked at the NBA joint valedictory session held on 9th April, 2019, a day which was declared non-sitting day for Kaduna State High Courts, by the acting Chief judge of Kaduna State for members to mourn a great colossus.

Oga Boss, though your watch has ended, and thrown the whole NBA into a season of mourning, we will forever cherish your memory as a consummate bar man, diligent lawyer, great companion, friend, loyal campaigner, life of a party, family man, son, husband and father.

We are comforted in the knowledge that he came into the world, played his part very well, and has returned to his maker in eternal rest. The Almighty did not seek our approval when he brought him into the world, and as such, we cannot question his decision to call him back.

Adieu, O.O a man of fine character!

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