Tributes have poured in for Justice Oyebisi Omoleye, Ekiti State’s first female Chief Judge, following her retirement from the Court of Appeal at the age of 70, with prominent figures commending her contributions to the judiciary and the legal profession.
Omoleye was the first female Chief Judge of Ekiti State before her elevation to the Court of Appeal, where she retired on attainment of the mandatory retirement age of 70.
The Archbishop of Jos Province and Bishop of Yola, Marcus Amfani, speaking at a thanksgiving service held in honour of Omoleye at Emmanuel Cathedral, Okesha, Ado Ekiti, according to a statement on Saturday, commended the contributions of the retired jurist to the legal profession.
The Archbishop described Justice Omoleye as “a trailblazer whose service had made a significant impact on the judiciary in Nigeria.”
In his exhortation, Amfani called on people in positions of authority “to serve with integrity and leave behind positive legacies.”
He urged leaders at all levels to prioritise the welfare of the people and conduct themselves in ways that would earn them respect and honour.
“A good name is more valuable than gold and silver,” he said.
Speaking at the service, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, described Omoleye as a blessing to the state.
He hailed her for serving the country with honour and integrity.
“Her career in the judiciary was marked by dedication and an unblemished record of service,” he said.
Oyebanji said Omoleye’s contributions to the legal profession and the development of the judiciary would continue to be remembered.
At a special valedictory court session held at the Appellate Court in Ado Ekiti, Oyebanji announced that the new court complex being constructed by the state government would be named after Omoleye.
The governor also presented a new Toyota SUV to the retired jurist.
Oyebanji said, “This is to express appreciation. This is just a token from the government and people of Ekiti State to thank you for your service, for making us proud and for walking this landmark without blemish.
“My prayer is that the good Lord will continue to protect you and be with you. In the next few months, we expect to see you here to inaugurate the new court building that is going to be named after you.”
Speaking at the valedictory court session, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, described Omoleye as a distinguished judicial officer who contributed immensely to the development of the Nigerian judiciary and justice administration.
Dongban-Mensem, represented by Justice Ali Gumel of the Court of Appeal, Kano Division, commended the retired justice’s professionalism, integrity and commitment to the administration of justice throughout her years on the bench.
The Ekiti Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata (SAN), described Omoleye as “an exceptional jurist and an accomplished lawyer,” maintaining that Nigerians and Ekiti people owed her a debt of gratitude for her contributions to the administration of justice and the development of the legal profession.
Apata said Justice Omoleye’s distinguished career had demonstrated that excellence could be achieved without compromising professional standards.
He particularly mentioned her intellectual development, commitment to service and relentless dedication to the judiciary.
In her response, Justice Omoleye appreciated God for guiding and sustaining her throughout her judicial career, saying her journey had never been merely a succession of offices, but a series of experiences that shaped her understanding of law, service and humanity.
Reflecting on her years in public service, Justice Omoleye, who served as Chief Judge of Ekiti State between 2003 and 2006, before her elevation to the Court of Appeal, where she spent 20 years, said she was leaving active service with “gratitude and no regret.”
She described public office as a responsibility entrusted to an individual for a period and not a personal property, stressing that “office is always larger than the occupant.”
Justice Omoleye expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji, former Governor Niyi Adebayo and others who stood by her throughout her career, saying the governor’s presence at the valedictory session meant a lot to her.
Also at the valedictory session were the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olayemi Adelami; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye; former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN); human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN); and other legal luminaries.
Omoleye became the Chief Judge of Ekiti State in 2003 and was elevated to the Court of Appeal in June 2006. She became a Presiding Justice of the appellate court in September 2013.