CJN, AGF, others laud legacies of Ayoola at valedictory session

Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, yesterday, described the late Justice Emmanuel Ayoola as a towering figure in judicial excellence.

She also described Ayoola as “a man, whose eloquence, moral fortitude, and incisive judgments echoed far beyond Nigeria’s borders, leaving indelible marks on Africa.”

The CJN spoke during a special valedictory court session held in Abuja in honour of the late Justice of the Supreme Court, Emmanuel Olayinka Ayoola, who passed away on August 20, 2024 at the age of 90.

Kekere-Ekun, while reflecting on Ayoola’s illustrious career, said that he was not merely a judge but a judicial philosopher, a tireless champion for justice, and an embodiment of legal activism.

Also speaking at the event, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, described the late Ayoola as an accomplished jurist.

He noted that Ayoola’s contribution to The Gambian nation is exemplary when he was seconded to the country to render assistance in their judicial sector.

On his part, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, who was represented by the General Secretary of the association, said Justice Ayoola’s service to the NBA was pivotal to where it is today.

He said that Ayoola’s conviction that the law would serve the needs of those who seek it can be found it the several sound judgments that defined his time on the Bench, as well as in his human rights advocacy and ideals.

Justice Awa Bah, a justice of the Supreme Court of The Gambia, who represented the Chief Justice of The Gambia, said Ayoola did not only contribute his great legal mind to the judiciary of Nigeria alone but was also a bright star for the judiciary of their country.