The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) mourns the passing of a distinguished legal luminary, Prof. Rasheed Jimoh Ijaodola, SAN, who departed this world on Sunday, March 16, 2025. His death is a profound loss to the legal community, academia, and Nigeria as a whole.
Prof. Ijaodola was not just a legal scholar; he was an intellectual force, a man of deep knowledge, principles, and a passion for justice. His contribution to legal education and jurisprudence in Nigeria remains unparalleled.
Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1984 and elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2021 in the academic category, he exemplified the highest standards of legal excellence and scholarship.
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His tenure as Dean of Law at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, and former Dean at Igbinedion University saw the grooming of countless legal minds who will carry his legacy forward. A man of remarkable intellect, he earned an astonishing three Ph.D. degrees—a testament to his insatiable thirst for knowledge. His ability to bridge legal, religious, and socio-political studies with such mastery was a rare gift.
Prof. Ijaodola was an intellectual giant, a prolific writer, and a custodian of knowledge. His more than 14 books and 100 scholarly articles addressed crucial aspects of law, democracy, electoral processes, tax law, and judicial administration. His seminal works on electoral laws in Nigeria remain a valuable reference for scholars, policymakers, and legal practitioners.
Beyond academia, Prof. Ijaodola was a man of faith, integrity, and profound humility. Despite being a devout Muslim, his scholarship was boundless, encompassing even Christian Studies, showcasing his open-mindedness and commitment to knowledge without borders. He was a bridge-builder—one who believed in fostering understanding beyond religious, ethnic, and ideological divides.
His passing leaves a void in Nigeria’s legal academia, but his legacy remains indelible. His students, colleagues, and the legal profession will forever remember his erudition, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to justice.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the legal community. May Almighty Allah grant him Al Jannah Firdaus and comfort those he left behind.
Rest in peace, Prof. Rasheed Jimoh Ijaodola, SAN!
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
President, Nigerian Bar Association
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