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Between Durojaiye and Nunc Dimittis: Exit of a Quintessential Diplomat (1930–2025)

Published

4 months ago

January 5, 2026

Eric

By Hon. Femi Kehinde

“Nunc Dimittis” also known as the “Song of Simeon” is a canticle from Luke 2:29 – 32; “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace: according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the glory of thy people Israel.”
This popular Christian canticle in the Christian Hymnal songs – songs of praise (SOP) always fascinates me whenever I hear of the loss of a departed soul as a terminal end of a race well fought. This was the lot of Amb. James Durojaiye Olufemi Sokoya who passed on some few days to his 95th birthday in November 2025. Interestingly, a Yoruba epistemology, mores and believes Abikus usually don’t live long. J.P. Clark – a popular poet in his epic poem on abiku whilst expressing his frustration on the Abiku phenomenon wrote – “coming and going these several seasons, do stay out on the baobab tree, follow where you please your kindred spirits if indoor is not enough for you” and Wole Soyinka – another notable poet on a similar poem abiku wrote in exasperation – “in vain your bangles cast. Charmed circles at my feet. I am Abiku, calling for the first. And the repeated time…”.

James Durojaiye Olufemi Sokoya was born on 26th November, 1930 as the tenth child of Eunice that has suffered nine (9) abikus out of eleven (11) children. Eunice practically begged this new born baby not to follow the path of her earlier nine fruits of the womb, and on the eighth day, Solomon and Eunice – the parents in supplication and like in a wait and see attitude named him Durojaiye, and drummed the name into his ears. Duroorike! Interestingly again, this Durojaiye (wait and enjoy life) waited and enjoyed a life that blossomed and prospered him for 95 years – almost a century.

In retrospect, Moshood Abiola was the first surviving child of Salawudeen and Zulikat Wuraola Abiola who had suffered twenty-two (22) abikus before he came on the 24th of August 1937 and was on the eighth day named ‘Kashimawo’ (Let’s wait and see), as a matter of fact he was not given a proper name Moshood Olawale until the age of 13. He lived, blossomed and prospered but did not live for too long a time (1937 – 1998). A huge difference between Kashimawo and Durojaiye.

He showed an early brilliant scholastic life despite extreme parental care, love and affection showered on him as the first child that would stay after nine (9) previous losses. He started his primary education in both “Ojowo United Infants” and “Ojowo United Primary” schools in Ijebu-Igbo from January 1938 to December 1945. He was very brilliant at school. His classmates gave him the appellation “Ever-First Duro” All his teachers loved him and assured him of a bright future in life. He was Igi-Iwe par excellence.

As a brilliant scholar, he passed his entrance examination to the prestigious Government College Ibadan and also the popular Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, but due to one reason or another, or perhaps a twist of fate he could not translate from standard six to either of the two prestigious colleges in 1946 for secondary education. However, despite this twist of fate, destiny still locks in the corner for the brilliant Duro. He was forced to pursue a teaching career as a pupil teacher with a standard six certificate where he diligently performed his classroom duties for three (3) years from January 1946 to December 1949.

To him, as a committed member of the Anglican Communion, till he breath his last, lGod’s time is the best and Que Sera Sera – What will be will be. In between, he kept himself alive with photography and music as his hobby. In 1950, he gained admission into the Lagos Archdeaconry Teacher Training College (later St. Paul’s College), Abeokuta for a two-year course. In the college, he was still non-parrel (no equal) in his educational feats and accomplishments. He was therefore retained by the College Authorities after completion of his study as a Grade III teacher. Whilst teaching, he, through private studies and the encouragement of well-wishers, took and passed the Senior Cambridge Certificate Examination in Grade II in June 1953 as a private candidate.

Thereafter, he spent another two successful years (1954-55) in St. Luke’s College Ibadan. From St. Luke’s College, Molete Ibadan he obtained a Grade II Teacher’s Certificate and later, by a special examination in Advanced History and Advanced Geography, he obtained a Grade IIA Teacher’s Certificate.

From there, he was as a mark of honour, posted to his former Alma Mater, St. Paul’s College, Abeokuta. Whilst in St. Paul’s College, he passed the General Certificate of Education (GCE) of London in seven Ordinary Level subjects as a private candidate. In his private studies for this and other higher examinations, he patronized some Overseas Correspondence Colleges (Wolsey Hall and Tutorial College) of the U.K. From his teaching post at St. Paul’s College, Abeokuta, he gained admission into the University College, Ibadan, by entrance examination, in September 1957. That same year, his admission was converted into a Direct Entry., giving due consideration to his having obtained the GCE (London) in four Advanced level subjects. He also passed the University College Qualifying Test to pursue the honours course in Geography. In June 1960, he graduated from the University with a B.A. London degree (Honours Geography) with History as Subsidiary. It was a Déjà Vu! After a circuitous journey and long circumlocution, destiny had already prepared a road for Duro in the Nigeria’s civil service first and foremost, and also in the diplomatic service of Nigeria. In preparation for his diplomatic career, he studied French at the University of Geneva Summer Session. He also participated in a nine-month course, specially arranged for ten Nigerian Diplomatic Officers in French, International Law, and Diplomacy in both the African Institute of Geneva and the Institute of Higher Studies in International Relations in Geneva, Switzerland. Whilst in the Diplomatic Service, he participated in several seminars and symposia in and outside Nigeria. To enhance his performance, he also took short language courses in German, Spanish and Serbo Croatian. Duro started his administrative experience in the Western Nigerian Public Service where he served from 1960 – 62 as an Administrative Officer in the Ministry of Education, the Premier’s Office, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Treasury, where he was thoroughly groomed by notable Administrators like late Chief S.O. Adebo, late Chief E.A. Dina, Professor S.O. Biobaku, Chief S.O. Asabia, Professor C.O. Taiwo and Chief Ejuitche. In Ibadan in 1961, Chief S.O. Adebo, the then renowned Head of Service, in open appreciation of their hard work, honesty and devotion to duty, encouraged four selected young Administrative Officers (Messrs. Adekuoye, Olaitan, Kumapayi and Sokoya) with these words: “Keep it up, the sky is the limit.” He transferred his services (by interview and selection) to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lagos in September 1962. In his diplomatic career, he had the opportunity to serve in various capacities both at Headquarters in Lagos and in Nigerian missions abroad. At Headquarters, he served at the initial stage as a Second Secretary and later in his career as Head, Asia Department, Chief of Protocol (in the Gowon Administration), Director Information and External Publicity Department, and External Publicity Department and Director, European Affairs Department. For his overseas postings, he served as a Second Secretary and later a First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations in New York (1964-65) under Chief S.O. Adebo and with other colleagues, including Olu Sanni and Emeka Anyaoku. He was posted to head the Nigerian Embassy in Bamako, Mali as Charge d’Affaires a.i. (1965-66) because of his knowledge of French. He then moved to Nairobi, Kenya where he served briefly as Acting High Commissioner and later as Head of Chancery (1966-67). Following his services in Lagos as Chief of Protocol during the Gowon Administration (1967 to 1969), he was posted to open the Embassy of Nigeria in Algiers, Algeria as Charge d’Affaires a.i. (1969 – 70).

He was posted from there to the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations (1970-73). While in Geneva, he represented Nigeria mainly in the Conference of the Committee on Disarmament with other U.N agents. He also looked after Nigeria’s interest in Austria and Turkey. He was instrumental to Nigeria’s entry into OPEC as well as the opening of a Nigerian Embassy in Vienna Austria. He served briefly with Ambassador B.A. Clark, as Counsellor before he moved to his first Ambassadorial post in London as Deputy High Commissioner to Ambassador Sule Kolo (1973-74). He was posted to Kingston, Jamaica as the first Resident Nigerian High Commissioner, with concurrent accreditation as Ambassador to Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, and High Commissioner to the Bahamas (1974-77).

His last ambassadorial post was in Belgrade, former Yugoslavia (1981-85). After leaving Yugoslavia, he was posted to the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru near Jos in 1986, as a Director from where he voluntarily retired in 1988 after meritorious service to the Nigeria nation.

After retirement in 1988, he lived a very active and engaging life in philanthropy, social and community services, God’s vineyard and service to mankind. Ambassador Sokoya took singular pride in the fact that in all his entire diplomatic career, he never lobbied for any promotion or posting. He firmly believed only in God’s grace for due reward for his diligent and honest services to the nation.

He was happily married in his lifetime to his heartthrob – Late. Mrs. Mercy Abosede Oluremi (nee Osigbesan of Ojowo, Ijebu-Igbo) on the 5th of March 1957, and the marriage was richly blessed with good children – Olusegun, Oyinade, Oluyinka, Olufunmilayo, Olumide and Olufemi who are today core professionals in their various fields of endeavors.

Ambassador Sokoya Lived a life of spartan self-discipline devoid of ostentation. As a matter style and choice, he avoided chieftaincy titles and partisan politics. He lived an enviable and worthy life. He was very humble, unassuming and jovial.

May the soul of this quintessential diplomat and omoluabi par excellence continually find peaceful repose with the Almighty Lord.

Hon. (Barr) Femi Kehinde is the Principal Partner, Femi Kehinde & Co (Solicitors) and Former Member, House of Representatives National Assembly, Abuja, representing Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency of Osun State, (1999-2003).

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El-Rufai to Remain in ICPC Custody Till June

Published

1 day ago

April 21, 2026

Eric

Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court has adjourned the bail hearing of former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to the first week of June, 2026.

El-Rufai is being arraigned on multiple charges bordering on alleged financial crime and abuse of office by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

“Similarly, another charge, number KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, against Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i and one Amadu Sule (LEDA) has also been filed before a Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division,” the ICPC said last month.

“The charges in the State High Court case range from abuse of office, fraud, and intent to commit fraud to conferring undue advantage, among others. Both charges were filed by the ICPC on the 18th of March, 2026.”

Speaking after the court session, counsel to the former governor, Ukpon Akpan, kicked against the lingering adjournment of the bail hearing by one presiding judge as politically motivated.

The high-profile case has drawn significant public attention, with heightened security presence observed around the court premises.

The former governor had arrived at the court at about 9 am in a convoy accompanied by ICPC officials and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

During the proceedings, supporters of the former governor gathered outside the courtroom, while security agencies maintained order and restricted movement within the vicinity.

Inside the courtroom, journalists, as usual, were not allowed, as proceedings are expected to focus on arguments presented by both the defence and prosecution regarding the bail request.

At the last sitting, the defence team had maintained that their client poses no flight risk and is willing to comply with all conditions set by the court.

Meanwhile, the prosecution has urged the court to carefully consider the gravity of the charges.

The 66-year-old former governor of Kaduna has been in ICPC custody since February 19 following his release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

El-Rufai, a former minister of the FCT, was, however, released on March 27 based on compassionate grounds following his mother’s death.

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Timi Frank Petitions US, Demands Gbajabiamila’s Resignation over ‘Anti-Democratic’ Remarks

Published

1 day ago

April 21, 2026

Eric

Political activist, Comrade Timi Frank, has called on the United States government to investigate and sanction the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over alleged actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s democracy.

Frank’s demand followed a viral video in which Gbajabiamila was quoted as telling Hon Leke Abejide, during his wife’s 50th birthday that: “Don’t come to APC. Stay in ADC and scatter them. We like what you’re doing… stay in ADC and win your election… bring Bala Gombe, and we’ll support him. Good luck in court.”

Describing the remarks as “reckless” and dangerous, the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said they point to a deliberate attempt to weaken opposition parties and erode democratic institutions.

“Your statement, as Chief of Staff, raises serious concerns about the determination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s regime to truncate democracy,” he said, adding that “inference can be made that there is an infringement on the independence of the judiciary.”

He warned that any suggestion that courts could be influenced “undermines public confidence in democratic institutions,” citing references to political actors, including Leke Abejide, as requiring clarification to avoid “dangerous interpretations.”

Frank argued that Gbajabiamila’s comments effectively confirm the Presidency’s involvement in crises rocking opposition parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“When a Chief of Staff speaks, it reflects the body language of the President. This points to a deliberate attempt to weaken opposition and consolidate power,” he said.

He further claimed that state influence, including the use of the judiciary, is being deployed against opposition parties. “The audacity of the statement suggests nothing will happen even if opposition parties are destabilised. That is dangerous,” he added.

Frank described Gbajabiamila as “an alter ego of the President” who had “displayed the arrogance of power,” insisting that public office holders must uphold restraint, respect for the rule of law and constitutional order.

He also urged U.S. authorities to probe Gbajabiamila’s activities and financial dealings.

“As an American citizen, he should be held accountable. We want to know if he is meeting his tax obligations in line with his earnings in Nigeria,” Frank said, describing him as “a bad ambassador of the United States.”

“We want to be sure that all earnings, including those from official and business engagements in Nigeria, are properly declared and taxed,” he added.

On accountability, Frank insisted resignation was the only honourable option.

“We call for your resignation with immediate effect. If such a statement were made in the United States, the official involved would have resigned forthwith,” he said.

He disclosed plans to petition the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, stressing that “those entrusted with leadership must reflect humility, constitutional awareness and respect for separation of powers.”

“Power is transient, but institutions must endure. Any comment that diminishes their independence must be corrected,” he added.

The call comes amid rising concerns over the stability of Nigeria’s multiparty system and allegations of increasing pressure on opposition parties.

Comrade Timi Frank is the ULMWP Ambassador (East Africa and Middle East) and Senior Advisor, Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA.

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Alleged Coup Plotters Get April 22 Date for Trial, Slammed with 13-Count Charge

Published

1 day ago

April 21, 2026

Eric

The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against a retired Major General, a retired Naval Captain, a serving police inspector, and three others over an alleged coup plot and acts of terrorism.

The alleged coup plotters, are scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow (Wednesday), April 22, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Those named in the charge are Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (rtd), Captain (NN) Erasmus Ochegobia Victor (rtd), Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

Also listed as a defendant, but said to be at large, is former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.

The charge, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, accuses the defendants of offences ranging from treason and terrorism to failure to disclose security intelligence and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.

At the centre of the case is an allegation that the defendants conspired in 2025 to undermine the Nigerian state.

According to the charge, they “conspired with one another to levy war against the state to overawe the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.

The prosecution further alleged that the defendants had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving one Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others but failed to alert authorities.

The charge stated that they, “knowing that and intended to commit treason, did not give the information thereof with all reasonable despatch to either the President or a Peace Officer.”

In another count, the defendants were accused of failing to take preventive steps, as they allegedly “did not use any reasonable endeavours to prevent the commission of the offence.”

Beyond treason, the Federal Government is prosecuting the defendants for terrorism-related offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The charge alleged that they “conspired with one another to commit an act of terrorism in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Particularly, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru are accused of participating in meetings linked to terrorist activities.

Prosecutors claim they acted “in a bid to further a political ideology which may seriously destabilise the constitutional structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The charge also accused the defendants of providing support for terrorism, alleging that they “knowingly and indirectly rendered support” to facilitate acts of terror.

In addition, the prosecution alleged a deliberate suppression of intelligence, stating that the defendants “had information which would be of material assistance in preventing the commission of the act of terrorism but failed to disclose the information to the relevant agency as soon as practicable.”

The case further traced financial transactions allegedly linked to terrorism financing, with multiple defendants accused of handling proceeds of unlawful activities.
Bukar Kashim Goni is alleged to have “indirectly retained the aggregate sum of N50,000,000, which forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: terrorism financing,” while Abdulkadir Sani allegedly retained N2 million from a similar source.

Zekeri Umoru, according to the charge, “without going through a financial institution accepted a cash payment of the sum of N10,000,000,” and also retained an additional N8.8 million suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing.

Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim was also accused of taking possession of N1 million linked to the same alleged scheme.

All financial-related counts were brought under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The 13-count charge presents what prosecutors describe as a coordinated network involving security personnel, civilians, and a politically exposed individual, allegedly connected to activities threatening national security.