By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
The late Justice Adegboye Gbolagunte of the Oyo State Judiciary has been described as an excellent jurist of impeccable honesty.
The state Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Iyabo Yerima, said this on Monday in a valedictory court session held in honour of the deceased at the State High Court, Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Gbolagunte, a senior judge in the state judiciary, died after a protracted illness on June 24, at the age of 64.
Yerima said the late justice was honest and impartial in discharging his duties.
The CJ said Gbolagunte was the first high court judge produced by the Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan.
According to her, the deceased was the third in his family on the roll of lawyers called to bar.
She regretted that his demise would leave a great vacuum in the state judiciary.
“Today, we mourn a great jurist, but we also delight in the cherished memories we have of His lordship, knowing that he will always be remembered for good.
“I urge his wife and family not to be downcast but find peace in the assurance that His lordship is in a better place,” she said.
The state Commissioner for Justice, Mr Abiodun Aikomo, described Gbolagunte as “a man whose dedication to justice left an indelible mark in the lives of those who knew him.
“He was a man of integrity; an embodiment of humility and kindness who was always approachable and willing to impact knowledge in those who approached him.
“He was not given to frivolities of life; he never stole money or amassed wealth illegally.
“We will forever remember him for good as his memory will continue to be a source of inspiration to all; his legacy of integrity will always be remembered; we cannot question God.”
The Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch, Mr Ibrahim Lawal, said Gbolagunte’s death was not unconnected to the moribund condition of the judiciary in Nigeria and Oyo State inclusive.
Lawal, therefore, called on the authorities concerned to see to the proper funding of the judiciary, which, he said, had been neglected for too long.
“Our judges are noble men who deserve better treatment from the government to be able to perform optimally,” he said.
He said Gbolagunte died as a jurist with character, benevolence, vision hard work, humility, great tenacity and as a judge who accorded respect to all and sundry.
“My lord exemplified and epitomised a life of selfless service to the bench; he discharged his duties with unparalleled respect to lawyers regardless of their age at the bar.
“The indelible mark of a fulfilled and good life of my lord is forever etched in the minds of all left behind to mourn his loss,” Lawal stressed.
NAN reports that judiciary stakeholders, including the body of SANs, unanimously described the late jurist as a complete gentleman and upright judge who ensured and delivered sound judgments without compromise.
In his response on behalf of the deceased’s family, his son, Mr Oladiran Gbolagunte, appreciated everyone for the love shown to the family and in honour of his late father. (NAN)
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