TRIBUTE OF THE CHAIRMAN, NBA IKEJA BRANCH AT THE VALEDICTORY COURT SESSION IN HONOUR OF THE LATE CHIEF BISI ADEGUNLE AND ADESINA OGUNLANA HELD AT THE IKEJA HIGH COURT PREMISES ON TUESDAY, 4TH FEBRUARY 2025 AT 2PM
• My Lord, the Honourable Chief Judge of Lagos State
• My Lords, Honourable Justices of the High Court of Lagos State
• The Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State
• Past and Present Leaders of the Nigerian Bar Association
• Learned Silks and Distinguished Members of the Inner Bar
• Benchers and Members of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria
• Chairmen and Secretaries of NBA Branches Present
• Respected Members of the Bar
• The Families of the Late Chief Bisi Adegunle and Adesina Ogunlana
• Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen
Today, we gather to mourn the loss and celebrate the lives of two visionary leaders, trailblazers and true champions of our Bar – the NBA Ikeja Branch.
Chief Bisi Adegunle (Chairman NBA, Ikeja 1993 – 1995) was more than just a transformative leader, he was a prolific advocate, a dedicated teacher, and a mentor to many lawyers including, Senior Advocates of Nigeria. Among those he influenced were the late Olalekan Yusuf (SAN) past Chairman NBA, Ikeja, and Mr Owolabi Dawodu, to mention but a few.
He was more than a leader; he was a guiding light who inspired countless lawyers and non-lawyers alike to strive for excellence. His unwavering commitment to our shared values and principles served as a beacon of hope in uncertain times.
He was a true champion, whole heartedly dedicated to the practice of law and the upliftment of the Bar. One of the patriarchs who laid foundational building blocks of the NBA Ikeja branch, which has since become acclaimed as the most vibrant and conscience of the nation Bar in Nigerian Bar.
He was a man of deep conviction who lived by his principles and fearlessly spoke truth to power, “no matter whose Ox was gored.” A staunch defender of the poor and downtrodden, he dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice and the protection of the vulnerable.
Called to the Nigerian Bar in June 1971, he served the legal profession with distinction. He was a member of the General Council of the Bar; a member of the Council of Legal Education; and the Chairman, NBA, Ikeja, from 1993 – 1995.
“Baba Lawyer,” as he was fondly called, was a distinguished legal practitioner, a foremost advocate and litigation expert renowned for his profound knowledge of Land Law. He practiced for over 42 years until his voluntary retirement in 2013.
He certainly lived a fulfilled life, leaving behind both biological and non-biological children who have excelled in their respective endeavours.
A man of deep faith and a devoted family man, he was married to Madam Florence Adebisi (nee Fawehinmi), whom he affectionately called “Momo Fibi,” for an enduring 58 years.
Remarkably resilient, he never allowed challenges, adversities, tragedies or setbacks to consume him. He lived an exemplary life leaving an indelible mark on the Legal profession.
He passed on to glory on October 14, 2024
Adesina Ogunlana – Chairman NBA Ikeja (2016 – 2018)
On 27th July 2024, we gathered at the Bar Centre to celebrate the 60th birthday of Adesina Ogunlana, former chairman, NBA Ikeja Branch (2016 – 2018). That day, the outpouring of accolades and encomiums was overwhelming. – Descriptions of him as a champion of the oppressed, a fearless advocate, a mentor, and a defender of the less privilege resonated deeply.
In his characteristic wit, Ogunlana likened the experience to a funeral session, with the distinction being that – he was a living witness to his own eulogies. In tragic twist of fate, he was called to eternity ten days later.
With Adesina “Serubawon” Ogunlana, there is so much to unpack.
Beyond his tenure as Chairman, he was the devoted father of Akoni and Akinkunmi. His entire life was dedicated to the service of humanity through the instrumentality of Law and social advocacy. A Student Union activist turned Student Union Lawyer, he was the publisher of Squib Magazine, which efficiently reported Court sittings and proceedings.
A fearless Lawyer, human rights activist extra ordinaire, he was cerebral, an orator of repute, (commanding the English language with the same mastery as the Yoruba language). A Warrior, a Fighter and, a Leader, he always led from the front. His unrelenting pursuit of justice culminated in his final act – he died in active service during the “Hunger and Anger Protest.”
A barman to the core, Ogunlana served as Welfare Secretary, Secretary, Vice-Chairman and Chairman of NBA, Ikeja. His commitment to the promotion of rule of law, equity, and human rights was unwavering. He represented numerous clients pro bono, and curiously never accepted briefs relating to property acquisition – his reason for this remains unknown and unfathomable.
His fearless advocacy extended beyond the courtroom. He served as lead counsel to the “EndSARS Protesters” before the Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution of Victims of SARS Protest. Through his tireless efforts, he left an indelible mark on the NBA Ikeja Branch, inspiring a new generation of lawyers to uphold justice without compromise.
I will never forget that night. I received a phone call from the immediate past Branch Chairman, who asked for my location and urged me to come to the Bar Centre at a late hour. When I sought reason for the unusual request, he was hesitant to provide one. Having developed a ready response for declining such odd requests, I instinctively retorted, “heavens will not fall” – apologies to Serubawon. So, I dismissed the request and continued my journey home.
Moments later, my phone buzzed again – it was the Chairman calling once more. This time, an alarm echoed in my head.
Nothing, however, could have prepared me for the gravity of the words that incoherently fell from his lips:” Mr Ogunlana ti ku o!” Those words, now forever etched in my memory, hit me with the weight of a falling sky. Struggling to process the shock, I found myself asking in disbelief, “Se Ogunlana le ku ni?” (’Could Ogunlana truly be dead’).
I had known and related with Serubawon for well over 30 years, from our days at Lagos State University. Over the course of our relationship, I concluded that he was an “Abani Eda” – “the strange one”. Time does not permit me to disclose all the reasons for this conclusion, but suffice it to say, he was a man of many complexities.
Here was a dogged and fearless lawyer, yet in the same breath, a wannabe comedian and entertainer, particularly on social media.
The Abami once said:
‘My unambitious material tastes are inborn.
I don’t crave titles, money, estates, fame, overseas travels or sojourns.
It is not of any piety.
‘Na so I be’.
When I told a well-wisher very recently that “God forbid bad thing” when he wished the silk for me, the guy almost dropped dead.’
Adesina departs this world wealthy and successful – not in material possessions, but in the indelible footprints on the sands of time.
We will deeply miss the wisdom, compassion, and generosity of spirit that both Chief Bisi Adegunle and Adesina Ogunlana embodied. Yet, we take solace in the knowledge that their impact will be felt for generations to come.
As we honour them today, let us reaffirm our commitment to mentoring young lawyers, defending the oppressed, and ensuring that NBA Ikeja branch remains a bastion of justice and accountability.
Rest in peace, Chief Bisi Adegunle and Adesina Ogunlana. Your memories will be a blessing to us all.
Adeniyi Quadri, Esq
Chairman, NBA Ikeja Branch
04/02/2025
