The dictum that “the best time to quit the stage is when the ovation is loudest” amply applies to Professor Bolaji Owasanoye whose first term in office expires in February next year.
The Tinubu Government announced his successor in person of Musa Aliyu, a lawyer and former Attorney-General of Jigawa State, on 17 October 2023 apparently as a regional balancing process to the new EFCC Chairman Mr Ola Olukoyede on 13 October 2023.
Be that as it may, Professor Owasanoye had made up his mind not to seek for second term.
To honour him, group of senior members of staff of ICPC with friends and associates surprised him and his wife Funso with a dinner at Ibeto Hotel, Abuja.
Select dignitaries were invited to the occasion. Top on the list is Lateef Fagbemi(SAN), Hon. Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
Others present were; Honourable Justice Benedict Kanyip, President National Industrial Court, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu SAN, incoming Chairman Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN, President Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Kole Shettima, Director, Nigeria Office of MacArthur Foundation, Sir Folu Olamiti, Former Media Consultant ICPC, Mr. Segun Adeniyi, Chairman, ThisDay Editorial Board, Pastor Seyi Malomo, former Chaplain, Aso Rock, Mr. Ade Ipaye, former Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (VP’s Office), Ambassador (Dr.) Adeyemi Dipeolu, former Special Adviser to the President (VP’s Office), Mr. Laolu Akande, former Senior Special Assistant (Media & Publicity) to the President (VP’s Office) Prof. Babatunde Babawale ACAN, Provost ICPC and Ambassador Godwin Adama, former Nigerian Consular General to Johannesburg.
Professor Owasanoye received loads of accolades from invited personalities in particular from the honourable Minister, Chief Fagbemi(SAN) who summed all up by describing Professor Owasanoye as a reliable and dependable ally who was always around whenever “I wanted him to solve some knotty issues in my ministry.”
Professor Owasanoye said his leaving ICPC was an opportunity for him to continue to use his God given talents for himself and humanity.
