It was a solemn moment on Friday 6 November 2020 as the NBA President, Olumide Akpata, paid tribute to respected lawyer, Dafe Akpedeye, SAN, OFR, C. Arb, founder of Compos Mentis Law Firm, who passed away on the 6th of October 2020. The President paid this tribute at a valedictory court session which held at the High Court Complex, Effurun Delta State on Friday.
The valedictory session which was presided over by the Chief Judge of Delta State was attended by many dignitaries and well-wishers including serving and retired judges of the Edo State Judiciary and the Delta State Judiciary; Attorney General of Delta State, Peter Mrakpor; Past President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Augustine Alegeh, SAN; the Chairmen of the NBA Branches in Warri, Effurun, Udu, Asaba, Ughelli, Oleh and Agbor. Also in attendance were : the President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Tunde Busari, SAN, Prof Amos Utuama SAN, Chief Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan SAN, Chief Albert Akpomudje SAN and Mr. Ken Mozia, SAN.
In paying tribute to the late Silk, the NBA President spoke of Mr Akpedeye’s industry, intellect, resilience and remarkable force of character, while referring to the late Silk as a “stellar lawyer”.
Mr Akpata noted that “Long before his 50th birthday, my big brother Dafe had taken Silk and had also been appointed Attorney-General of Delta State. He was also bestowed with the national honour of Officer of the Order of Federal Republic (OFR) and a was a Chartered Arbitrator. He dwelled deservedly at the summit of legal practice and his records speak resoundingly for him and his professional reputation did indeed precede him.” The President also highlighted the significant contribution of the late Silk to the NBA, both at State Branch levels and at the National level.
In concluding the eulogy, The NBA President said “If there were a chance to appeal against death, I have no doubt that we would have taken it and won convincingly, for such a man of excellence and distinction ought to have lived for many more decades. Yet, in the exemplary life that he lived; the pride and honour that he brought to his family; the dedication that he had for this noble profession; and the legacy that he has bequeathed to this nation, we take solace that my big brother Dafe acquitted himself excellently whilst he was in this realm. He was quite the consummate advocate. And now, may his soul find eternal rest in the bosom of the Great Advocate, our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The late Silk is survived by his wife, Nnoli Akpedeye and three children.
