Ekiti State governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday disclosed that the new court complex being constructed by the state government would be named after the first female Chief Judge of the State, Hon Justice Oyebisi Folayemi Omoleye, in appreciation and recognition of her outstanding contribution to the justice administration and dedicated service to the state and Nigeria.
Justice Omoleye, who was the first female Chief Judge of Ekiti State, had a distinguished judicial career spanning several decades.
She served at various levels before her elevation to the Court of Appeal, where she is retiring having attained the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Governor Oyebanji who disclosed the government’s plan during a special valedictory court session held in honour of Justice Omoleye at the High Court complex in Ado Ekiti, also presented a Brand new Toyota SUV to the retiring Judge, describing the gestures as a token of appreciation for her service to the judiciary and for making the state proud throughout her career.
The governor commended the retiring judge for walking the judicial path without blemish.
He expressed optimism that Justice Omoleye would return to the court premises in the coming month to commission the new court building constructed by the state government and named after her.
He maintained that the honour would serve as a lasting reminder of her contribution to the judiciary and the state.
The governor 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 and in the next few months we expect to see you here to commission the new court building that is going to be named after you. Congratulations.”
Earlier in his opening remarks at the valedictory court session, the representative of President of the Court of Appeal, Hon Justice Ali Gumel, described Justice Omoleye as a distinguished judicial officer who had contributed immensely to the development of Nigerian judiciary and justice administration. He commended her professionalism, integrity and commitment to the administration of justice throughout her years on the bench.
He explained that the valedictory session provided an opportunity for judiciary, legal practitioner, family and members of the community to celebrate her years of meritorious service and contribution to the judicial system.
Also in his remarks, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata, (SAN), described Justice 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 legal profession.
Apata said Justice Omoleye’s distinguished career had demonstrated that excellence could be achieved without compromising professional standards, noting that her intellectual development, commitment to service and relentless dedication to the judiciary had distinguished her career on the bench.
In her response, Justice Oyebisi 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 experience 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, she stressed that office is always larger that the occupant.
Justice Omoleye expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji, former Governor Adeniyi 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 event were the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayemi Adelami, Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Wole Olanipekun, (SAN), human right lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, (SAN) and other legal luminaries.
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