NBA holds valedictory session for Aturu

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), yesterday held what it termed a special valedictory session in honour of late human rights lawyer and rights, Bamidele Aturu.

It woukd be recalled that the late activist died on July 9, 2014 at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) after a brief illness.

Late Bamidele Aturu

In delivering his speech at the occassion, Ikeja branch chairman of the NBA, Yinka Farounbi maintained that the late Aturu was a committed member of the branch who served in various capacities during his short life time on earth.

Farounbi revealed that the branch would immortalise the late human rights lawyer with an annual programme to be held in his honour. He also insisted that Aturu was a big loss to the legal community.

Even in his part, Lagos branch chairman of the NBA, Alex Mouka, said Aturu was never afraid to speak up against any form of injustice in the society and devoted his life to that cause.

He said, "I urge all of us to emulate him. Nigeria will be reborn if we all stand up to speak for the truth like Aturu did."

The Ikorodu branch chairman, Dotun Adetunji, argued that Aturu made a great impact in the country with his activism. According to him, "He died having fulfilled his God-given assignment and task in life.

"He was a genuine activist who participated in all forms of action aimed at social reform and change."

Justice Olubunmi Oyewole of the Court of Appeal sitting in Benue said Aturu employed the instrumentality of the law in his quest for social reform and change.

"We are celebrating Aturu today not because he is the richest Nigerian, He never made the forbes list. He was not even a member of the inner bar (SAN) but he dedicated his life to the service of humanity," Justice Oyewole added.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Rickey Tarfa, while commiserating with the family, enjoined them to be proud of the legacy left behind by the late Aturu.

Speaking on behalf of the Aturu family, the eldest son of the deceased, Lanre, thanked Nigerians for the support shown to them since the demise of their brother.

He urged those in the gathering to live a good life and remain close to God in order to make heaven. The programme which took place at the NBA secretariat in Ikeja was attended by senior members of the bench and bar as well as other dignitaries.