BARRISTER SEGUN ODUBELA: A COLOSSAL LOSS
I received with shock and sadness the news of the death of Barrister John Olusegun Odubela SAN, Commissioner for Education in Ogun State (2011-2015) and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). His death is a personal loss to me, and a great loss to members of my political family, the Legal profession and indeed Ogun State.
Barrister Segun Odubela was one of the finest citizens of Ogun State who served selflessly and contributed immensely to the development of our State. As a Commissioner for Education in Ogun State, Barrister Odubela gave a good account of himself as a brilliant, hardworking, dependable and highly resourceful person. He exuded an unparalleled passion for the progress of Ogun State and Nigeria, and most particularly at the bar where he had an accomplished career and attained the prestigious rank of SAN.
Odubela, my dear Odubela. How can I be writing about my Commissioner One, our Commissioner One, the Commissioner One of the Ogun State Executive Council Class of 2011-2015 in the past tense?
“Excellency, I will go to court, let me challenge that in court” – this was your usual phrase. Who will now be going to court on our behalf? How could the cold hand of death snatched Odubela away so suddenly and in such a cruel way.
An innocuous text message, late on Sunday night, 14th March, 2021, from Segun Odubela’s bosom friend, brother and boss – Mr. Rickey Tarfa, SAN informed me of his health condition. I thereafter followed up with his friend and brother, Col. Oyefuga and his dear wife, Adebimpe. All these were with prayers and hope that Odubela would pull through.
Alas, at around 10.32pm on Monday night, 15th March, 2021, I was informed that the worst had happened – Segun Odubela had gone to his creator.
“It saddens my heart that his life, dreams and blossoming legal career had to end abruptly at this time. J.O. Odubela, as he was fondly called, was a dutiful, loyal, ever joyful and smiling, and above all, an embodiment of what we called “Ogun Standard”. He will be sorely missed by all of us in Ogun State and beyond.
As painful as his death could be, I enjoin the Odubela family, the Ogun State Executive Council Class of 2011-2015, members of the inner bar, the people of Ikenne and indeed Ogun State to take solace in the fact that Barrister Olusegun Odubela lived a fulfilled life and left behind enduring legacies. I pray that Almighty God will grant him eternal rest and give all of us the fortitude to bear the pain of his loss.
Adieu Segun Odubela, my dear Commissioner One!
Senator Ibikunle Amosun, CON, FCA
16th March, 2021
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