Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has described the death of Lagos lawyer and human rights activist, Mr. Bamidele Aturu as “very tragic and unfortunate”.
Fayemi in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, said the death of the prominent lawyer is an unprecedented loss to the pro-democracy and human rights community in Nigeria.
He said Aturu’s demise has robbed the oppressed of an irrepressible defender, a tireless advocate and a committed fighter of injustice, oppression and repression in the Nigerian society. The Governor said he received the news with shock as no one expected the death of Aturu whom he described as “a young man bubbling with life” at a time when the nation needs his contribution to quest for a just society.
Fayemi pointed out that Aturu had committed himself to selfless service to mankind since his student days when he was a terror to tyranny, dictatorship and subjugation of the rights of the powerless.
According to him, it was this motivation that fired the zeal in Aturu to study Law after he had earlier received a Bachelor’s degree in Physics in a bid to use Law as a weapon to fight for the oppressed and speak truth to power.
Fayemi noted that Aturu’s contribution to the legal profession especially in the areas of Constitutional Law, Advocacy and Human Rights would remain indelible in the minds of Nigerians.
The Governor recalled the roles played by Aturu as a key actor in the fight to chase the military away from the corridors of power and enthrone democracy which is being enjoyed by Nigerians today. He said Aturu was irrevocably committed to the struggle and never kept quiet in the face of impunity being committed by elected officials after the hard won democracy.
While praying God to grant the deceased eternal rest, Fayemi urged his family, friends, colleagues and associates to be consoled by the good life he lived and the positive ways he has affected the society.
Last modified: July 10, 2014
