By Adekola Afolabi

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Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State at the weekend paid a condolence visit to the family of late Emeritus Professor and legal icon, David Ijalaye, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Governor Akeredolu in company of his Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale, visited the family of the deceased at his residence in Ile-Ife.
Akeredolu who eulogised the Emeritus Professor, revealed that late David Ijalaye, deserved National Honour in recognition of his dedication and contributions to the teaching and practice of law in the country, and particularly his service at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he spent almost all his life.
The governor who described the death of the foremost law scholar as a colossal loss to the legal profession, academia and the country, also said the late erudite scholar was able to mentor so many people who went through his very rich tutelage.
Akeredolu promised to keep pursing the desire to get the top-flight legal scholar the National Honour, even if it is posthumous.
“I am sad that we were not able to get Baba what he desired and deserved, that is a National honour. It is something well deserved. We shall continue to talk to them even if it is to still give him posthumously,” he said.
He described late Ijalaye as a Teacher of Teachers and Professor of Professors.
The governor encouraged the children left behind to emulate all the good virtues of their late father.
“Baba was able to mentor so many people. All of us went through his rich tutelage. He was a teacher, a mentor and a great man.
“My only joy here is that he lived long. He left good children and grandchildren behind. We must celebrate him. We are proud of him.
In his response, the son of the deceased, Niyi Ijalaye, appreciated Governor Akeredolu for showing love for their late father and identifying with them.