Valedictory Court Session Held in Honour of Late Honourable Justice Nurudeen Olalekan Adekola Ibadan, March 18, 2025.

The Oyo State Judiciary, alongside legal luminaries from across Nigeria, gathered at the Oyo State High Court for a special valedictory court session in honour of the late Honourable Justice Nurudeen Olalekan Adekola. The solemn event was presided over by the Honourable Chief Judge of Oyo State, Honourable Justice I.S. Yerima, and attended by esteemed members of the judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association, government officials, family members, and other dignitaries. In his opening remarks, Justice Yerima paid glowing tribute to the late Justice Adekola, describing him as a legal colossus who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice and the rule of law. Born in 1935, Justice Adekola’s illustrious legal career spanned decades, during which he served as a magistrate, a judge, and later, as Chief Judge of Oyo State before his retirement. Justice Adekola was remembered as an erudite jurist with a reputation for delivering landmark judgments. Several of his notable rulings were referenced during the session, including Rasaki Disu Arowolo & Ors. v. O.B.A. Transport Ltd., Tejumade Ogunfidodo v. Gabriel Fayenuwo, and Baruwa-Etti v. Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria Ltd. His judgments, which emphasized legal principles such as privity of contract, land ownership rights, and the duties of mortgagees, remain guiding precedents in Nigerian law. Beyond his contributions on the bench, Justice Adekola was a dedicated legal scholar. He served as Secretary of the Law Reporting Committee for the Oyo State High Court and as an editorial board member for Evans Publishing Company. His efforts in legal education and mentoring young legal practitioners were widely recognized, solidifying his place as a revered elder in the legal community. The valedictory session featured heartfelt tributes from several high-ranking members of the legal profession. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Oyo State, Hon. Abiodun Ayodeji Aikomo lauded Justice Adekola’s commitment to justice and his unwavering adherence to the rule of law. The Chairman of the NBA Ibadan Branch, Ibrahim Lawal Esq in his remarks, praised the late jurist’s humility and simplicity despite his towering achievements. Representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ogbomosho, stated that his lordship was a high principled man yet accommodating. A representative of the Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Adeniyi Akintola acknowledged Justice Adekola’s judicial philosophy and legal acumen had left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s judiciary. A representative of Justice Adekola’s family members expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and recognition for their patriarch. A representative of the family, highlighted their father’s values of discipline, integrity, and service to humanity. The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Hon. Bayo Lawal in his speech, described Justice Adekola as a man who epitomized punctuality, respect for the law, and fairness in all aspects of his life. He emphasized that his legacy would continue to inspire generations of legal practitioners. As the session drew to a close, Justice Yerima expressed deep appreciation to all present, including justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, (retired and serving), federal high court, industrial court, customary court of appeal, magistrates, legal practitioners, and family members. He noted that Justice Adekola’s life was one of great impact and service, leaving behind a legacy that would not be forgotten. The solemn ceremony ended with the national anthem.