President Jonathan Mourns Chike Offodile, Ade Ajayi

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has received with sadness, news of the
passing away of Chief Chike Offodile (SAN), former Attorney-General of the
Federation and Minister of Justice.

On behalf of himself and the Federal Government, President Jonathan
extends sincere commiserations to Chief Offodile’s family, the Obi and
people of Onitsha as well as friends and professional colleagues of the
former Minister who also served his native community as the Onowu Iyasele
of Onitsha.

The President joins them in giving thanks to God Almighty for Chief
Offodile’s long and fulfilled life in the course of which he distinguished
himself in the legal profession and service to his community and
fatherland.

The nation, President Jonathan believes, will remain eternally grateful
for the late Chief Offodile’s commendable service as a member of the
Federal Executive Council, and his significant contributions to the
development of the legal profession in Nigeria.

The President prays that God Almighty will grant Chief Offodile peaceful
rest from his lengthy labours on earth.

President Jonathan similarly commiserates with the family of Prof. Jacob
Festus Adeniyi Ajayi, the renowned historian and former Vice Chancellor of
the University of Lagos who passed away yesterday.

The President urges them and Prof. Ade Ajayi’s many students, friends,
associates in academics and colleagues in the field of Nigerian and
African history to take solace in the knowledge that in passing on, he
leaves behind a body of significant works that will stand to his eternal
credit and assure him of a lasting place of honour among Africa’s greatest
historians.

President Jonathan reaffirms the nation’s enduring gratitude for Prof.
Ajayi’s notable contributions over many years to the development of
education and educational institutions in Nigeria as a lecturer,
Professor, Dean, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor at Federal
universities.

The President assures Prof. Ajayi’s family, relatives, friends and
colleagues of the Federal Government’s full solidarity and sympathy as
they mourn the very eminent historian and 1993 winner of the Distinguished
Africanist Award.

He also prays that God Almighty will receive Prof. Ajayi’s gentle soul and
grant him eternal rest.