ONDO JUDICIARY HOLDS SPECIAL COURT SESSION TO HONOUR LATE JUSTICE OJUOLAPE
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ONDO JUDICIARY HOLDS SPECIAL COURT SESSION TO HONOUR LATE JUSTICE OJUOLAPE
The Ondo State Judiciary on Wednesday convened a special court session to pay tribute to the late Justice Edward Adepoju Ojuolape, who served as a judge in the former Ondo State.
This session, held at the High Court in Akure, marked the second such event honouring the esteemed 98-year old legal luminary, following a similar session organized by the Ekiti State Judiciary earlier in the week.
In his valedictory speech at the event, the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice A. Olusegun Odusola paid a heartfelt tribute to the distinguished legal luminary and revered leader, whose departure is a celebration of grace.
Odusola described the late Ojuolape as an astute judicial officer, the epitome of excellence, a man of ambient dignity and integrity, saying
his rare virtue is reflected in the qualities of his judgments in any case handled during his time on the bench.
Quoting his biographer, Justice Odusola said late Ojuolape made the practice of law enviable for contemporaries and particularly for a younger colleague who saw him as a property legal practitioner.
Justice Odusola added that Ojuolape even after retirement, maintains his keen interest in the Judicary’s activities, offering valuable advice and suggestions.
He said: “Even at retirement, Baba Ojuolape maintained his keen interest in the Judiciary’s activities. He honoured our invitations to the legal year ceremonies and other special events, even into his advanced years.
“When I saw him gracefully dance at the 2023 Legal Year Ceremony, I marveled again to his agility and enduring spirit.”
“ We shall sorely miss, not only for his wise interventions during our squabbles and misunderstandings but also for the ambient dignity and integrity he embodied.”
Citing some of his achievements, Justice Odusola said: “ Baba was among the three-man panel of judges that tried the famous Ajasin and Omoboriowo 1983 governorship case, saying the case largely resolved the post-election violence in the state and set new standards for judicial activism even in the face of government opposition.
The Chief Judge extended condolences to Ojuolape’s family, the state judiciary, and the broader legal community on the loss of such an incorruptible jurist.
In his remarks, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, also paid tribute to the late legal icon, describing his life as one rich in service, dignity, and unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law.
Represented by the state Director of Public Prosecutions, Taiwo Olubodun, Ajulo noted that Ojuolape was not just a judge but an institution in his own right, consistently demonstrating mastery of the law coupled with humanity and compassion.
“Justice Ojuolape was not merely a Judge- he was an institution. In every matter that came before him, he displayed an enviable mastery of the law, tempered with humanity and compassion.
“ His judgment was not only sound in law but resounded with moral clarity, inspiring confidence among litigants and counsel like.
“ He was a man who bore the heavy mantle of justice with humility, understanding that to sit in judgment over others is to carry a sacred trust that he never betrayed throughout his many years of meritorious service,” Ajulo said.
Also, a representative of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Olagoke Fakunle, SAN, highlighted some of Baba Ojuolape’s accomplishments as a judge and his contributions to upholding the rule of law, which will serve as his lasting legacy.
Mr. Onimisi Friday Umar, Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, Akure branch, spoke on behalf of other branches in the state, described Justice Ojuolape as an erudite jurist whose dedication to justice, integrity, and humanity has left an indelible mark on the legal system.
He emphasized that Ojuolape’s remarkable journey of over nine decades was characterized by an unwavering commitment to excellence, a passion for justice and kindness.
Among those in attendance were retired Chief Judges from Ondo and Ekiti, Judge Court of Appeal, Justice Bode Adegbemgbe, the President of the state Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Eunice Alade, judges and magistrates from Ondo State, family and friends of the deceased, and staff of the Ondo State Judiciary.
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