34 | Forever Keele
In Memoriam
Cyril Chulo Asika
POLITICS & LAW 1970
Cyril Chulo Asika Esq . ( Cy ), was one of the early few international Keele University students of African origin ; to be precise , from the Isitor Royal kindred of Ogbeozala Village Onitsha , Anambra state Nigeria , East of the Niger . He is the 4th surviving child of his late parents , both accomplished Nigerians before their demise .
A proud Keelite from the 1970 set and a graduate of Politics and Law ( BA ).
Upon his return to Nigeria , Cy was met with the devastations and ruins of a bloody civil war , which lasted for two and half years ( 6 July 1967 – 15 January 1970 ). Afraid at the fate of his family given the millions who lost their lives , he fortunately reunited with his immediate family members who survived the war .
Cyril was admitted into the Nigerian Bar Association , upon completion of the Nigerian Law School , were he obtained his Bachelors at law ( BL ), thus ; a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria .
During his early years as a law graduate and attorney , he practiced in the Chambers of a prominent and notable legal luminary in Lagos , the late Frederick Rotimi Alade Williams , QC , SAN [ the first Nigerian to become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria ].
A talented and gifted jack of all trades , Cyril has a litany of careers to his credit . First , was his post secondary school job as a taxi driver . Then , his flare for unique interior designs , birthed his first renowned interior design business ( Posh Decor ). Given his charming nature , he also excelled as a broadcaster , hairdresser , music producer , to name a few . Ultimately he retired as a respectable and renowned attorney .
A background in politics , coupled with his passion to serve his people and community , culminated in being elected mayor , a job he executed very well .
Worthy of note is that during his political days , Cy formed his own political party called ' You Chop I Chop '. Interestingly and contrary to the literal meaning , his party was founded on a philosophical ideology of transparent governance , accountability , fairness , equity and justice for all , regardless of social class . Cy ' s party eventually formed a successful coalition with a leading political party then [ the
Nigerian People ' s Party- NPP ], at the bequest of its working national Committee , headed by the late Zik of Africa , Dr . Nnamdi Azikiwe .
In 1977 , Cyril was inducted into a prestigious male-only society , reserved for only those with significant accomplishments . Subsequently , in 2010 , the king in his exclusive rights , conferred Cy a red cap chieftain [ which is akin to life peerage in England ], a position he actively occupied until death .
When not on official assignments , Cy enjoyed his pastimes listening to his kind of music , meditating , cooking and spending time in the company of friends discussing various topics of interest .
Larger than life Cy , a loving father , grandfather , brother , uncle , cousin , friend and colleague lived an accomplished life and was ever so proud of his beloved alma mater ( Keele University ).
He will be sorely missed and shall forever live in the hearts of those he loved and left behind .
ELIZABETH ASIKA ( DAUGHTER )