Tribute by In-Laws
Prof. Osato Frank Giwa-Osagie, OON.
FAREWELL TO A GIANT AMONG MEN. A TRIBUTE TO PAPA KEHINDE SOFOLA, SAN, CON
What better accolade can a man receive than the acclamation of his peers and community that he lived an exemplary life in the faithful service of man, and his God? Such has been the recognition accorded to Pa Kehinde Sofola, SAN, that if man could command the dead to rise, Papa would be back among the living again.
The remarkable qualities of Papa as far as I am concerned were his ability to listen patiently, even to the most mundane issues, and then come up with far reaching advice on solutions and the next steps that should be taken. He worked very hard and would accept nothing less from all those who associated with him. He abhorred double talk, slovenliness and ostentation. He never failed to correct anyone who called him “Chief Kehinde Sofola” that he is “Mr” Kehinde Sofola or “Papa” Kehinde Sofola. The only title he answered with pride was that of “Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)” of which he was number 2 in the role of SANs when he died. He was meticulous, patient, and courageous in his Advocacy and was strident in his condemnation of any corruption of the judicial process. He gave willingly of his resources to the needy without expecting repayment. He was a dogged fighter, a reliable friend, a generous supporter, and a loving father, who found time always to nurture and care for his family.
To the family of the late Chief F.S. Giwa-Osagie, Papa was an embodiment of those old values of truth, loyalty and reliable support. He took our daughter and sister, Mrs. Darlin Sofola, as one of his and never relented in his support. He was always available to me and I could never get over him always leaving the choice of where and when I see him on any matter to me! He believed that every challenge had a credible response and solution.
To my family he was more than Kayode’s father and Darlin’s father-in-law, he was also a very dear friend and father.
Papa, you have done your work on earth to man and God.
May your soul Rest in Peace, Amen.
Alhaji S.A Sunmola
MY TRIBUTE BY ALHAJI S.A. SUNMOLA
There is no doubt that Pa Kehinde Sofola was a great man and he lived up to expectation in different areas of life to different people. I have heard of him for a long time as a distinguished lawyer and devout Muslim who gave very good support to the Islamic religion.
My close interaction with him started when my daughter Mosun and his son Folabi started their relationship which brought him to our home on a visit. I found him to be very humble and humorous. His humility was publicly exhibited during the engagement ceremony when he led other members of the family by prostrating for the in-laws in accordance with tradition.
He was a loving family man and each morning he would embrace and pray for his grandchildren before leaving home. He was the type of father a parent would desire to have as an in-law. I have no doubt that he is resting peacefully.