The life of my big Brother, Hussein Afolabi Kehinde Sofola (SAN) was, from all accounts, eminently golden.  We thank the Almighty Allah that his life was not mere vapor, coming to earth and departing without leaving a mark; or acidic – coming here and leaving behind bitter, hurting memories in the hearts of those whose paths crossed his.  Instead he impacted positively in the lives of all, with his high sense of exemplary leadership.

Full of love to all fellow human being, he was charitable to all and, decidedly, never Pharisee-like in his benevolence, be it in the award of scholarships to deserving, brilliant but indigent students, or in taking over the responsibility for helpless hospital patients and myriads of aged people in and outside his immediate community.

His selfless love was extended to poor litigants, particularly those being pilloried for their political convictions.  He offered his very competent professional services to them free, paying even their Court filing fees and other expenses.  My brother was a friend of the oppressed, particularly the unjustly oppressed, to the core.

Naturally, to his, principle was of the essence in life.  Not for him the sheepish, slavish, or emotional mentality – the principle, not necessarily the person, was what counted; and if both the principle and the personality merged, the merrier, the smoother the ride.  He would however not follow the majority, for number’s sake.

Again, not for him any undue premium on affinity of birth, clan, tribe, ethnicity, religion or any primordial considerations, to the detriment or at the expense of reason, logic, or principles.  His political leanings all through his life and, more so, in the first and second Republic in Nigeria, loudly affirm this.

Highly disciplined, full of integrity, extremely dependable, you knew where he was on any issue.  Yes, you could always predict where he would be on any matter, no where else, but on the side of open truth!!!

May the Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest in Alijanna, and uphold all those he left behind ….. Amin.

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