In a tribute titled An Ode to Serubawon, Adesina Adegbite, former Secretary of the NBA, reflects on the life and legacy of the late Adesina Ademola Ogunlana, fondly known as “Serubawon.” Ogunlana, a man of fierce conviction and boundless courage, was admired for standing up to injustice, no matter the cost. He championed the rights of the oppressed, fearlessly challenging corruption and authority, even when it meant confronting the judiciary itself. Adegbite captures the essence of Ogunlana’s leadership, his loyalty to his beliefs, and his profound impact on the legal profession. His tribute serves as both a celebration of Ogunlana’s legacy and a call for unity within the NBA Ikeja Branch. Rest in power, Serubawon.
An Ode To Serubawon!
Adesina Ademola Ogunlana ‘lo’ (is gone)
Serubawon ‘lo’ (is gone).
You were a man of valour and colour
You exuded courage and wisdom
You remained firm on your principles.
You pursued your objectives with conviction
You engaged the authorities without inhibition
You exposed the oppressors without restriction.
You stood gallantly in the defence of the oppressed
You stoutly resisted the machinations to be repressed
You remained unshakable and ensured the issues are addressed.
You were the bee that stung the bad administrators
You were renowned for being the enfant terrible of the judiciary
You squibbed the complacent and corrupt judicial officers into reckoning.
You provided leadership in all struggles
You provided leadership at the Bar
You provided leadership in your family.
You were loyal to every cause you believed in
You were a reliable comrade and remained faithful to your Constituency
You disagreed without disaffection.
You remained resolute to your ideals even when others considered them too extreme
You fought against even your friends where you were convinced it was the right thing to do
You held strongly to your position even if heavens will fall.
You were mostly misunderstood by those who did not agree with your modus operandi
You were prosecuted by those who feared your towering personality
You emerged victorious in all your tribulations.
N.B: Serubawon is gone, members of Ikeja Branch, I beseech you to let bygone be bygone. Life is transient, let us live it conscientiously.
It is time for us to unite in brotherhood and sisterhood.
Rest in Power Serubawon!
Adieu Serubawon!
Adesina Adegbite, FICMC, MCIArb
Past Secretary NBA Ikeja Branch
Immediate Past General Secretary, NBA
