By Mumini AbdulKareem
Tragedy struck in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital on Wednesday when the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin branch, Omolara Adetutu Aluko reportedly slumped and died.
Aluko said to be in her 50s and left behind her husband and children among other relatives was said to have slumped while in the bathroom and gave up the ghost while being rushed to the hospital before she could get medical help.
Her remains, it was gathered, has been deposited at a private mortuary, Omoshebi Hospital around Gaa-Akanbi area, it was learnt last night.
Early callers at her residence included the Chief Judge of Kwara State, Suleiman Durosinlohun Kawu and NBA chairman, Mohammed Akande who led two former chairmen to her residence.
The news of her death, to many people especially her colleagues in the legal profession, came as a rude shock. Until her death, the deceased was very relevant in the activities of the NBA.
Late Aluko served the NBA as vice chairman for two consecutive terms.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Salman Ayinla Jawondo, in a telephone chat with this medium last night, described Aluko’s demise as unfortunate saying she was a perfect gentle friend.
He said, “Though I got the news lately but, it is quite unfortunate, she was a friend, gentle, easy going person. I just pray God will uphold the family she left behind.
Also, the Chairman of the Bar, Barrister Muhammed Ayoola Akande, who, because of the incident, cancelled the commissioning of the NBA Gymnastic Centre slated to hold by 3pm Wednesday, took to his facebook wall to mourn his lieutenant.
Akande, in what he tagged ‘gone so soon’ on his facebook page, said, “within the few years of our closeness, I’ve found in you, a sister, loyalist, adviser and admirer, the list is endless, and you suddenly left with all these qualities. That you will not come again will forever hurt.
The chairman who later spoke with to National Pilot in a telephone chat, lamented, in an emotional laden voice, how death truncated dreams and aspirations of his vice.
“For many beautiful things she had wished to achieve in life even in the legal profession, death has cheated her of them all. She is just too good to me, to the Bar. It’s so painful, how can I believe she’s gone just like that.
Another active member of the Bar, Taye Oniyede, on the facebook, said, “so sad and unbelievable. Rest on till we meet to part no more.
Barrister Adeyemo Debo also wrote on his timeline, “Rest on my dear sister. My first contact with you was 2001 in Deji Gbadeyan & Co and we became friends since. Reading the news of your demise, it’s quite shocking. I pray to God to rest your gentle soul. My condolence to the entire family”
“Her sudden death is not only painful but a great loss which has created a vacuum difficult to fill. Mrs Omolara Aluko was a personification of good character and embodiment of all virtues. She would be remembered for all these till eternity.
May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace and may God gives her family, Ilorin Bar fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. #AdieuOmolaraAluko. Barrister Dauda Olayinka Jimoh, wrote on his facebook wall.
