The stakeholders in the judiciary thronged out last week to honour the late Magistrate, Eniola Olusanmi Ogunkanmi at the valedictory court session held in Ikeja High Court complex, Lagos.

Aside the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, other eminent stakeholders present at the valedictory court session included the High Court judges, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), the president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), Magistrates, lawyers and other staffs and non-staff of the judiciary.

The Chief Judge described the late Magistrate as a courageous arbiter who left indelible marks in the state judiciary. He further described the late Ogunkanmi as a humble, gentle, loving father and caring husband to his wife.

Late Ogunkanmi was appointed as a Magistrate Grade 2 on May 22, 2001, and served the judiciary in various capacities as a Chief Magistrate. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, ultimately becoming a Chief Magistrate (Administration). He was appointed the Head of the Department of Litigation of the Lagos State Judiciary (Ikeja) in September 2024.

His tenure was marked by integrity, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to justice. As a Chief Magistrate, he was entrusted with a range of responsibilities, including sensitive administrative functions in the court system. He was highly respected for his ability to handle both the legal and human aspects of justice with wisdom and compassion

In 2013, he further expanded his legal expertise by becoming an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Nigeria (ACIArb). He was a member of various Professional Associations, including the NBA and the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (Lagos Branch).

His work was not just a career but a mission to bring fairness, dignity, and justice to those who came before him. He was born on December 19, 1966, in Lagos, Nigeria. He was the fourth child in the family of the late Reverend Daniel Olagoke Ogunkanmi and the late Reverend (Mrs.) Sabainah Oyefunmilola Ogunkanmi from Oluponna, Osun State.

He was part of a close-knit family, being one of eight children. He was a devoted husband to Deaconess Wojuoluwa Abiola Ogunkanmi and blessed with three kids.

Lagos Attorney General, Mr Pedro (SAN), who was represented by Olamide Ibrahim, said the late Ogunkanmi’s tenure as a legal practitioner was full of integrity.

For NBA president, Osigwe (SAN), he was a humble man, and the legacy he laid down in Lagos State Judiciary cannot be forgotten. Osigwe, who was represented by Olarenwaju Obadina, said, “Truly, Chief Magistrate Ogunkanmi cannot be forgotten in the room of justice. He was humble, and his legacy cannot be forgotten.”

Also, Dr Muiz Banire (SAN) described him as a gentleman with integrity and a good personality.

“He served well. It is not how far but how well. He taught his family the way of the Lord,” he said. Speaking for the Body of Benchers, Mr. Olasupo John said, “Ogunkanmi lived the life of humility and integrity. He contributed immensely to the Lagos State Judiciary. His memory cannot be forgotten. May his soul rest in peace.”

The chairman of Magistrates’ Association, Mrs. Folarin Williams, said the late Magistrate was committed to the group.

According to him, he was an easy-going man, a caring man, a loving father and a dedicated man. Chairman of the NBA Ikeja branch, Olabisi Makanju, described him as a remarkable man of integrity, humbleness, honour and wisdom.

“The death of Magistrate Ogunkanmi is a lesson to all of us. Anywhere you are, remember that death will come someday. May his soul rest in peace!