Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday described corruption as a “great monster” that Nigeria must overcome in order to achieve meaningful progress.
He made the statement while speaking at the celebration of the life of Justice Olayinka Ayoola (retd.), former Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Agodi, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
Justice Ayoola, who passed away on August 20, 2024, at the age of 90, was remembered for his significant contributions to Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
Obasanjo acknowledged the challenges posed by corruption in Nigeria, saying, “Corruption is a great monster that is still battling with us in the country. It’s not that ICPC and Ayoola had not done their job or that even I, who appointed him, had not done what I could have done; it was the pressure of this great cancer of corruption.”
He further emphasized the impact of Justice Ayoola’s work, stating, “Today, I’m standing before you to appreciate the life of this great man, great Nigerian, great African, and man of the world, and what he had done in our midst.”
In her tribute, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, highlighted Justice Ayoola’s legacy, saying, “I think all of us gathered here should ask ourselves the role we want to play in this place we found ourselves. What will be said of us when the time comes?”
She continued, “He has left indelible footprints in the sand of time. We treasure him and all the things he had done to give Nigeria a befitting name. In all the places that he worked, he raised the flag of Nigeria high. He would be sorely missed. He left a legacy we should be proud of.”
Delivering the sermon at the event, the Bishop of Diocese Agodi, Revd Simeon Onaleke, reflected on the theme “Serving God’s Purpose in Our Generation.”
He called for legislation that would bar corrupt politicians from re-contesting. “Do things that will make people remember you. Don’t bother yourself looking for enemies. Ayoola fought many battles, not with guns or swords. He did well,” he stated.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Hajo Sarki Bello; Justice Akintola Ladiran; Oyo State Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima; Justice Ogunwumiju; Justice Adamu Jauro; Justice Chidiebere Uwa; Justice Habeeb Adewale Abiru; and other Justices of the Supreme Court. Also in attendance were Dr. Emmanuel Olanrewaju Ayoola; Ambassador Godwin Adama; Dr. Wale Babalakin; and Mr. Folu Olamiti, former spokesperson of the ICPC.
