By Saka Laaro, Ilorin.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Sulyman Age AbdulKareem, has joined other prominent Nigerians from all walks of life in commiserating with the government and people of Kwara State on the death of the pioneer Grand Khadi of the State, Honourable Justice Abdulkadir Orire (CON), describing the death as a huge loss to the nation.
In a condolence message signed by the institution’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, the Vice-Chancellor described the late jurist as an accomplished elder statesman, an erudite scholar and foremost administrator who served the nation in several capacities.
Prof. Abdulkareem explained that the nation would miss the services and wise counsel of Justice Orire, whom he described as a true patron of the University of Ilorin.
He added that Justice Orire was qualified to be described as one of the founding fathers of the nation’s most sought after University considering the roles he played in its establishment and his being a model to several generations of students and graduates of the institution.
Prof. Abdulkareem also said that Justice Orire was very close to the University as he honoured countless invitations to several events at the institution. He recalled that the departed Jurist was one of the star participants at the National Conference on Sharia organised by the institution’s Department of Islamic Law in 2019.
He noted that Justice Orire did not only support the University in words but also in actions as some of his children and wards also passed through the University as students while a daughter of his, Dr Maymunat Orire-AbdulRaheem, teaches at the institution’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed his deep sympathy to the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR and the nation’s legal community on the loss of this distinguished statesman.
He prayed Allah to forgive Justice Orire’s shortcomings and grant his soul a peaceful repose in Al-Janah Fridaouz, while also beseeching Allah to grant the family he left behind, as well as, his associates the fortitude to bear his demise.