|
Listen to article
|
Renowned anti-graft crusader and former helmsman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Emmanuel Ayoola, has passed on, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed the passing of its former chairman, Emmanuel Ayoola, in a statement issued on Wednesday by the current chairman, Musa Aliyu, who paid tribute to his predecessor’s enduring impact on the anti-graft sector.
The venerable Emmanuel Ayoola, who served as the second chairman of the ICPC, departed this life on Tuesday at the ripe age of 91, his remarkable life’s work a testament to his unshakeable dedication to eradicating corruption in Nigeria.
Following in the footsteps of the pioneering Mustapha Akanbi, Emmanuel Ayoola took the reins as the second chairman of the ICPC, steering the commission from 2005 to 2010 with unwavering dedication and a steadfast commitment to combating corruption.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ayoola demonstrated a deep commitment to Nigeria’s growth, serving in various capacities, including a notable stint as a high court judge, appointed in 1976, and later ascending to the highest echelons of the judiciary, the Supreme Court.
Having attained attained the mandatory retirement age of 70, he retired as a justice of the nation’s apex court in 2003.
Born on October 27, 1933, in Ilesha, Osun State, Ayoola attended Temidire Model School from 1939 to 1943 for his primary education and Ilesha Grammar School from 1944 to 1950 for his secondary education.
Read also: Hoodlums Stole Ganduje’s Graft Trial Records – Kano Govt
The academic achievements of the late Emmanuel Ayoola, including a law degree obtained in 1957, demonstrated his early dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and his future role as a guardian of justice, setting the stage for a lifetime of service to Nigeria’s legal community.
Emmanuel Ayoola’s academic pursuits took him to some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, including the University of London and Oxford University, where he honed his legal expertise and laid the groundwork for a distinguished career in Nigeria’s judiciary.
The UN Secretary-General tapped Ayoola’s expertise and experience, appointing him to the esteemed position of judge on the Appeals Chamber of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, a groundbreaking tribunal dedicated to prosecuting those responsible for heinous crimes in the region.
The Special Court for Sierra Leone, a tribunal dedicated to addressing the atrocities of the country’s civil war, benefited from Ayoola’s expertise and leadership.
As President of the Court from 2004 to 2005, he oversaw the prosecution of those responsible for heinous crimes, ensuring that perpetrators were held accountable for their actions.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Nigeria and humanity, Emmanuel Ayoola was conferred with the prestigious Nigerian National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2003.
