In a sombre moment for the accounting world and Nigeria at large, the distinguished Chief Akintola Williams, often hailed as the doyen of Nigeria’s accounting profession, peacefully passed away in his sleep at the venerable age of 104. The legacy of this remarkable pioneer, who was the country’s first indigenous chartered accountant, has left an indelible mark on the nation’s financial sector.
“Williams had a highly impressive career, and his memory is filled with positive impacts,” said Mr. Joshua Oderinde, former Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Ikeja District.
Born in 1919, Chief Akintola Williams embarked on an extraordinary journey that would see him become a trailblazer in the field of accounting. “As a young man, Akintola Williams inspired me to enter the accounting profession,” shared Oderinde. “He was the first man to qualify as a chartered accountant in Nigeria.”
Upon his return to Nigeria, he laid the foundation for his enduring legacy by establishing Akintola Williams & Co. in 1952, a firm that has since evolved into the globally recognised Deloitte & Touche. Williams’ unyielding commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity in the profession earned him a reputation that was second to none.
Chief Williams was not merely a practitioner but also a staunch advocate for the advancement of the accounting profession in Nigeria. “His enormous contributions to the development of the accounting profession cannot be overstated,” emphasised Oderinde.
“He was a father figure to all and a role model to follow,” Oderinde noted. “We affectionately referred to him as the doyen of the accounting profession in Nigeria and Africa at large.”
Dr. Tunde Adeoye, an associate professor, also conveyed his condolences to the Williams family and all Nigerians, emphasising that Nigeria had lost one of its most industrious sons. Adeoye underscored Chief Williams’ instrumental role in the establishment of ICAN and his substantial contributions to the profession’s development.
“My prayer is that the Almighty will console the immediate family he left behind and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss,” Adeoye offered in solace.
Dr. Muda Yusuf, the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), acknowledged Chief Akintola Williams as a great accountant who had set a standard comparable to international firms. “Being the first indigenous professionally qualified accountant, he was able to set up a standard accounting firm, comparable to most international ones,” Yusuf noted. “He was noted for his high integrity on the job.”
As Chief Akintola Williams takes his leave, he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of accountants in Nigeria and beyond. “May God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort his family,” Oderinde said. “His legacy will forever shine brightly in the annals of Nigeria’s accounting history.”
