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The human rights community yesterday paid glowing tributes to the late human rights lawyer and activist, Bamidele Aturu, who died a fortnight ago, aged 49 years.
It was a flurry of tributes at the Colloquium/Day of Tributes tagged "The Struggle for Social Change in Nigeria," as many described the deceased as fearless, forthright and highly committed lawyer who gave his all for the cause of the downtrodden and oppressed in the society.
Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) described the deceased as a "dependable ally" in the fight for the enthronement of a just and free society.
He said: "Never in my wildest imagination believe that I will be speaking at Aturu's funeral."
"I expected it to be the other way round, but God knows best." he said.
Also speaking at the event, President of Women Arise, Dr. Joe Okei- Odumakin, said Aturu will forever live in the consciousness of Nigerians as an uncommon activist who sacrificed his all to ensure the return of democracy to Nigeria after several years under military rule.
She enjoined activists present at the event to live their life for the oppressed and hold fast to what they believed in, adding that "It is what you do today that people will remember you for years after you have gone."
For the President of Ijaw Monitoring Group (IMG), Joseph Evah, the greatest tribute that can be done to the memory of the departed activist is to sustain his legacy and ensure that his struggle for the emancipation of the masses in the country from shackles of oppression will not be truncated.
Other eminent Nigerians who attended the occasion include former Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association Ikeja branch, Mr. Monday Ubani, Mr. Wale Babawale, Mr. Debo Adeniran, Mr. Wale Ogunade, Femi Aborisade, Lanre Arogundade and others.
The late Aturu will be buried in his home town, Ogbagi Akoko, Ondo State on Friday, July 25
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