–Leke Oshunniyi | KCoB
He was the oldest living Kingsman and a nephew of the Great Chief Amodu Tijani.
Coincidentally, 2020 marks the 100th Anniversary of the historic judgement by the Privy Council of the United Kingdom granting the Oluwa Family, represented by Chief Amodu Tijani, the right to Ownership of ancestral holdings in Apapa, the site of the Port built by the British in the early 1900.
Chief Tijani, accompanied by the legendary nationalist Herbert Macaulay visited London in 1920 for the case, making a triumphant return to Lagos, the same year.
The foregoing was one of the many things I heard from Justice I.I. Oluwa, in my many interactions with him.
Amongst his favourite reminiscences were of working in Northern Nigeria in the 1940s. Indeed, I once promised him that I would retell as short stories, two of his most poignant recollections.
Gifted with an eidetic memory, he would at a moment’s notice, reel off the names of all his classmates at King’s College Lagos.
He left Service during the dark days of military dictatorship on matters of principle and never regretted it.
I am glad I was present at his 100th Birthday on the 2nd of June 2018 where he launched his autobiography, “A Life In Motion.”
I recommend this book to all King’s College Old Boys.
We must not be unmindful of the Spiritual significance of Justice Oluwa’s final call in the holy month of Ramadan. He was found worthy.
As Justice Oluwa ascends to the join the Great Assembly of Departed Kingsmen, he leaves behind an impeccable record of public service, unbesmirched by any trace of corruption, abuse of office or dereliction of duty. The very essence of Kingsmanship.
May Almighty Allah grant his honest, dutiful and noble soul unimpeded access and permanent permanent residence in Aljanah Firdaus.
Amin.