Ex-NBA president Babatunde Benson dies

Former NBA president Babatunde Benson

A former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Babatunde Benson has died aged 88.

The Asiwaju of Ikorodu died on Thursday, ten days before he would have turned 89 on July 4.

The Ayangburen of Ikorodu Oba Kabir Shotobi and Ikorodu branch of the NBA have both announced his demise.

Oba Shotobi, in his statement, thanked God for Mr Benson’s legacy.

“Life of committed service to development of Ikorodu Kingdom and to humanity. May God forgive his sins and admit his soul into eternal rest,” the monarch said.

He added that the funeral arrangement would be announced later.

Benson was called to the English bar in 1959.

On his return to Nigeria, he joined the law firm of his uncle TOS Benson where he eventually rose to the position of the head of chambers.

Benson was conferred with the prestigious rank of senior advocate of Nigeria in 1983.

He also held honorary doctor of law of the Lagos State University (LASU) where he was legal adviser for many years.