By Ralph Omololu Agbana
‘Sadly missed, dearly loved and always remembered by your loving family
‘God called your name so softly,
‘That only you could hear;
And no one heard the footsteps,
‘Of angels drawing near.
The golden gates stood open,
God saw you needed rest;
His garden must be beautiful,
He only takes the best’.
Hon Justice Sunday Idowu Leslie, BA (Oxford) L.L.B (Leeds) L.L.M (Kings College), Ph.D(USA (1942-2004)
Until his glorious departure to the great beyond on August 5, 2004, Hon Justice (Dr) Sunday Idowu Leslie, born of the Ayinayin clan, Egbe, Yagba West Local Government in present day Kogi State on September 28, 1942, was a senior judge of the High Court of Kogi State.
He served as Chairman, Elections Petition Tribunal for Gombe State Elections in 2003, a year prior to his death.
In the rememberance message, the family of the late Hon Justice Leslie extolled the virtues of the departed incorruptible top jurist.
“His loving memory will forever be in our hearts as a devoted and caring husband, father, grandfather, hero and mentor; an outstanding jurist and a first class citizen, faithful to family, his home state, Kogi and country, Nigeria.
“Hon Justice Sunday Idowu Leslie devoted his wealth of experience as a High Court Judge to the upliftment of the society in truth and justice, and taught first-hand the art of giving, humility, kindness, determination, love for God and others as well as the true meaning of success”.
The statement added, “Daddy, you are a rare gem, who wil remain in our memory as ray of sunshine in our hearts and minds.
“Your great legacy and indelible marks on our lives live forever. Daddy, continue to rest in the bosom of our dear Lord. We love you beyond words and will always miss you”.
Late Justice Leslie is fondly remembered by his beautiful wife, Mrs Margaret Modupe Leslie, and children; David Tokunbo Oluwole Leslie, Dr Kayode Godwin Leslie, Mrs Tayo Ann Leslie-Aiyedogbon,
Mrs Yetunde Leslie-Inengiye, Dr Abimbola Leslie, Barr Vera Leslie,
Dr Kenneth Aderemi Leslie, Dr Adebukola Leslie, Bolanle Sophia Leslie and Barr (Dr) Adeoye Daniel Leslie.
His grand children include:
Oluwatobiloba Patricia Okuta, Damilola Cynthia Okuta, Emmanuel Joyce Inengiye, Daniel Inengiye, Laticia Modupe Leslie, Ireti Leslie, Tshiphiwa Leslie, David Aderemi Leslie, Bolowatife Bolade Leslie and Judah Cedar-Sijuade Leslie.
I Am Nneka Leslie David Leslie’s daughter His first Grandchild. I do not see my name on here.