By Eric Elezuo

A sad day it was on June 18, 2023, when the cold hands of death descended on and snatched a loving and near perfect gentleman, Ibukunolu Alao Olatokunbo Babajide, popularly and fondly known as IBK by friends, colleagues and family members.

Agile, lively and everyone’s buddy, Chief Babajide was returning to his base in South Sudan from the United States of America when he gave up the ghost during the flight, leaving behind a thriving career, rooted in humanity, philanthropism, loving family and a circle of friends anchored on camaraderie.

Born in 1961, August 3 to be precise, the family of Mr. and Mrs. Babajide, Chief Babajide’s 62 years of existence on planet earth, was eventful,  inspiring and and highly innovative. He exhibited unequivocal talents of an astute, and energetic man, full of life, a prompt solution provider to everyone around him irrespective of tribe or country of origin, class or creed and portrayed high level of billiance and success. He cared for everyone.

Chief Obiora, Mr. Inaju and IBK at a UN function in South Sudan

Chief Babajide started his educational sojourn at the Lagos Baptist Academy in 1972, and graduated with the set of 1977.

It is instructive to note that Chief Babajide’s academic life was as brilliant and excellent as what he eventually became in his entire professional life. A proud alumnus of the great Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife where he studied Law between 1978 and 1982, obtaining a Bachelors of Law (LL.B) before proceeding to Law School.

Chief with former Ambassador to South Sudan, Amb. Obinna with Nigeria community Chairman, Agunnaya

His quest for continuous learning and more knowledge brought him back to the ivory tower in 1984 to pursue a Masters Degree also in Law and of the same Obafemi Awolowo University. He finished in flying colours in 1985.

IBK and the professional environment are like five and six as he dedicated his life to the pursuit of credible legacy, using the instrument of his educational and residual intelligence.

Patron IBK, Chief Obiora with Nigeria community in South Sudan

After his his graduation from the Law School, Babajide was called to the Bar, and superimposed the law profession in Nigeria for 26 years spanning 1983 to 2009. In between, the legal luminary was also an influential name at the prestigious Lincoln Inn, BAR OF England, exuding professionalism for an upward of 20 years between 1990 and 2010.

He was also a trial judge, attoney and prosecutor attached to the International Criminal Tribunal based in Rwanda from 1998 to 2010. He was purely a master of multitasking.

Chief IBK with Nigerian embassy staff and Nigerian community members

Again, between 2010 and 2023 when he passed away, Chief Babajide was a Senior Legal Advisor with the United Nations Peace Keeping Mission in South Sudan.

Nigerian Union in South Sudan observing a moment for IBK

Friends, colleagues, well wishers and family members have described Chief Babajide, who is also called BABA IBK as as an accomplished professional, a family-oriented man and a true leader. They recalled that during the sittings of the tribunal on the Rwandan genocide, he was so passionate at getting justice for the victims, and see that perpetrators of crime against humanity are brought to book. Of course, his passion paid off as he got reprieve for victims, and conviction for indeed he got some of the criminals convicted and they are serving their terms.

Nigerian Independence Day with Prince Adesanya and IBK

His quest to dish out humanitarian tendencies was also as strong as his passion to see that justice is given to victims of injustice. As a result, as part of his career growth, he was a humanitarian officer, touching lots of lives, spreading love, and ensuring that the milk of human kindness dropped to as many that comes in conta t with either on a personal of corporate capacity. His arms of love were open to all and sundry; Nigerian or foreigner while his diplomatic assignments lasted.

It was really a worthy 62 years of service you gave to your community, state, Nigeria and the whole at large. Though you are gone, your legacy lives on, and will remain an en encyclopedia of some sort.

Nigeria community in South Sudan observes a minute silence for IBK

Adieu Baba IKB. The world will surely miss you, buy is consoled by the fact that the footprints you left on the sand of time are indelible.