Ex-Envoy Farounbi Insists the Late Cicero of Esa-Oke Deserves More
A former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for honouring the late Chief Bola Ige with a national award, describing the move as timely and deserved.
President Tinubu on Thursday conferred the title of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Chief Ige alongside other distinguished Nigerians both living and posthumously.
Chief Bola Ige, a former Governor of Old Oyo State and Attorney-General of the Federation under President Olusegun Obasanjo, was assassinated in Ibadan in 2001.
His contributions to Nigeria’s political and legal evolution remain significant.
In his reaction, Farounbi said the honour was a noble step but emphasized that Ige’s contributions merited even greater national recognition.
“I congratulate President Tinubu for recognising and appreciating his leader in Afenifere and the Alliance for Democracy (AD).
Chief Ige contributed immensely to democracy, the legal profession, education, and national development,” he said.
“At just 27, he was the National Publicity Secretary of the Action Group (AG), where he defended the rights of Northern minorities like Joseph Tarka. He resisted Abacha’s dictatorship and backed M.K.O. Abiola’s democratic mandate.
While the CFR is commendable, Chief Ige deserves even more.
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