BY CHARLES KUMOLU

A former commissioner representing Ondo State on the board of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Benson Enikhomehin, has lamented that his vision of building a multi-million naira law library in Abuja was frustrated by the activities of Boko Haram insurgents in the city.

Even as he also called on lawyers to place emphasis on projects that would enhance the legal profession rather than personal acquisition of wealth.

Enikhomehin said this during the commissioning of the multi-million naira law library in Akure.

Personalities at the event included; the Deji of Akure, Oba Adetutu Adesida-Ojei; Chief Judge of Ondo State, Hon.  Justice Olaseinde Kumuyi; Odede of Igboegunrin, Oba Olatunji Kalejaiye; former PDP governorship candidate in Ondo State, Barr.  Olusola Oke; celebrant’s mother, Mama Rosana Enikuomehin; Dr. and Mrs. Banji Ajaka among others.

“When I was called to the Nigerian bar on March 22, 1995, I resolved to do my best and contribute my quota to the development of legal profession in Nigeria. I first developed the Lagos office called Shalom Chambers but not to the taste of my dream law office. My sojourn to Akure in 2003 could not have availed me of the law firm I dreamt about in 2005.

When I moved to Abuja in 2008, I proposed to build a National Law firm which would be second to none in Nigeria and probably in West Africa. I decided to invest in law books which culminated in the commissioning of my Law Library in Abuja,’ Enikhomehin stated.

In addition, he said, ‘’In 2010, my architect designed a five story law centre to be erected at the central area of Abuja. The vision was killed by the invasion of Boko Haram ravaging facilities in the federal capital. So I decided to relocate my dream law firm to Ondo State. The office that was commissioned in Akure recently is the boys’ quarters to the edifice now under construction. By the grace of God, it will be ready in the next one year. So, it has always been my dream to have a law centre of repute,”

In his remarks, Justice Kumuyi, commended Enikuomehin for his decision to build a structure that will enhance the legal profession, saying “what Dr. Enikuomehin has done is a big challenge to our colleagues that legal practice is a serious business. I also consider as part of my achievement as the Chief Judge of Ondo State that during my tenure, I witness something that would boost legal work.”

Also speaking, Oke said: “The only thing you can give to the society is knowledge. This newly commissioned law library is the first of its kind in Ondo State. I want to commend his effort, his endeavour and I appreciate the great role he is making in the area of politics. I have a thirst for law so that when there is no politics I return to my law firm. You have laid a good foundation for the upcoming ones to emulate. This noble course law collection is worthy of emulation.”