Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado-Ekiti
After practically 48 years of distinguished service within the authorized occupation and Judiciary, the profession of Hon. Justice Oyebisi Omoleye, JCA, reached a becoming climax final Tuesday, because the Ekiti State Government introduced that the brand new High Court Complex beneath development within the State can be named after the retiring Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Ekiti Division, Justice Omoleye.
The announcement by Governor Biodun Oyebanji got here at a valedictory court docket session organised in honour of the Jurist, who bowed out of energetic judicial service on attaining the necessary retirement age of 70.
In addition to immortalising her identify, the Governor offered Justice Omoleye with a mini bus ,and disclosed that she would return to formally fee the court docket complicated upon its completion.
The ceremony, held on the Court of Appeal, Ado-Ekiti, drew serving and retired judicial officers, Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), authorities officers, members of the family and members of the authorized occupation in celebration of a girl broadly acknowledged for her contributions to Nigeria’s justice system.
A particular Police March parade was additionally staged in her honour, symbolising the nation’s appreciation for her many years of service to justice and public administration.
Paying tribute on behalf of the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR, Justice Ali Gumel of the Kano Division described Justice Omoleye as a distinguished Jurist whose profession had enriched Nigeria’s jurisprudence, and strengthened the administration of justice.
He recalled that she was known as to the Nigerian Bar in July 1978, and commenced her authorized profession on the Ondo State Ministry of Justice in Akure, the place she rose by the ranks to change into Director of Public Prosecutions.
Her profession later took her to the Ekiti State House of Assembly, the place she served as Clerk and Director-General, earlier than her appointment to the High Court Bench in 1998.
She grew to become the Chief Judge of Ekiti State in 2003, and was elevated to the Court of Appeal in June 2006, ultimately turning into Presiding Justice of the appellate court docket in September 2013.
Justice Dongban-Mensem counseled her unwavering dedication to justice, noting that she introduced integrity, knowledge and distinctive authorized data to each division of the Court of Appeal the place she served.
In an emotional valedictory tackle, Justice Omoleye mirrored on her journey from Ikole-Ekiti to one of many highest judicial workplaces within the nation, saying the Bench had taught her that judicial workplace was a sacred belief and by no means a private possession.
According to her, Judges are merely custodians of establishments that existed lengthy earlier than them, and can proceed lengthy after they depart workplace.
She additionally spoke candidly about one of many darkest moments of her life – the dying of her husband in 1990, when she was simply 34 years previous. Justice Omoleye stated the painful expertise left her with the duty of elevating her kids alone, whereas pursuing an more and more demanding judicial profession.
The retired Jurist urged members of the Bench to uphold equity, restraint, humility and integrity within the discharge of their constitutional tasks.
She expressed gratitude to God, her colleagues, members of the Bar, judicial employees, household and pals for standing by her all through her profession.
Ekiti State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata, described Justice Omoleye as an achieved Jurist whose skilled life was outlined by diligence, braveness, self-discipline and excellence.
