Sebastian Ukegheson: His Passion for Law, God, Political Activism, is Unparalleled-John Komolafe

As the late Barrister Sebastian Ukegheson goes home in a blaze of glory today, his friend and boss, Barrister John Komolafe, owner of the law firm, Stella Maris Solicitors LLP, in South West England, has gone down memory lane, blessing God Almighty for that day in 2011 when their paths crossed.

Though Ukegheson had been battling cancer before they met, Komolafe said the young lawyer never wore his affliction like a banner. Rather, he saw the vastness of life in its enthralling beauty, exhibited boundless hope, and never allowed the destructive impact of the disease to constrain him.

“Sebastian was a man of strong conviction and implicit faith in god,” Komolafe told The Crest Online, on Wednesday, amid last minute preparations for today’s celebration of life for Ukegheson. “Despite all he was passing through, he never exhibited any negative emotions. He was very positive. He never stopped loving God.”

Komolafe, also the Managing Partner of Stella Maris Solicitors LLP, described the departed lawyer as one of the law firm’s brightest stars.

“He was exceptionally brilliant,” Komolafe continued. “He was an excellent team player who soaked himself in his work and delivered on assignment in sync with our corporate objectives. There was never a dull moment with Sebastian. Despite his health challenges, he was hardworking, fiercely loyal, loveable, and very accommodating. He bore his affliction with stoic faith in Jesus Christ. I know we shall meet again at the feet of Christ on resurrection day.”

At a point, Komolafe asked that the interview be paused to enable him attend to an urgent matter.

Not long after, he was back on the phone, but not before sending the second half of the tribute to the writer’s WhatsApp wall.

It reads:

I wish to express my profound and heartfelt condolences to the children and family of my late friend. To say that l am missing my late friend and brother is an understatement. l take solace in the fact that you fought a good fight of faith although you left the stage too early but God knows the best. l also express my condolences to my brother’s associates in UK and Nigeria (NDLEA colleagues and friends on Crest Readers Hub, a platform that my late friend liked to engage with passionately.

A great friend and colleague goes home. l am deeply pained by your sudden demise but our confidence is in the assurance that you have finished well and you are resting in the bosom of your heavenly Father whom you served and exemplified so graciously.

You will be remembered for your passion for the practice of law and political activism at home and abroad, and undying faith in the Lord.

Till we meet at the Eastern Gate in the morning, we promise to keep the Kingdom work going and the practice of Law and never forget all you have done.

Good night, Barrister Sebastian.

Mr. John Komolafe

Managing Partner

Stella Maris Solicitors LLP