Late Chief Akande.
TRIBUTE.
By Abiodun Owonikoko.
Chief Harry Ayoade Akande has achieved immortality. We give God all the glory for his most eventful life. March 3rd, 1943 – December 5, 2020.
I have confirmed this sad news of the death of one of our law firm’s most valuable clients from the son, Lou (Olumide) Akande May Chief’s ebullient and gentle soul receive peaceful heavenly repose.
One of the domestic staff brought in covid last week and got nearly everybody in the household infected when routine weekly tests were conducted on Saturday. Chief began to show signs of unwellness and was rushed to the hospital on Monday 30th November. By Wednesday , Chief, the dogged fighter that he was, gave everyone around him cause for cheer as he was pulling through with recovery until suddenly things went sour again. Saturday morning, 5th December Chief suffered a heart attack. He did not recover.
May the lovable affable soul of Chief Harry Ayoade Akande, Agba Oye of Ibadanland, rest in perfect peace . The family requires some privacy at this time as they prepare for his final resting obsequies .
Harry who? My dearest enabler and benefactor !!! I can’t even begin to pay the debts of gratitude I owe you and your wife Chief Mrs Akande whom you loved so fanatically throughout your life of exemplary entrepreneurial feats across different continents – and while the ageless aunty ( Mama Olumide as he affectionately called her) loved him to bits in return . From their marital lives I picked so much education to strengthen my own marriage. You were a global business icon; public finance guru; quiet giver, stickler for principles and business ethics – a loyal friend to many all around the world and a above all, nationalist and humanist. Adieu.
Mr. A. J. Owonikoko is a Lagos-based Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN.
