VALEDICTORY COURT SESSION IN HONOUR OF LATE JUSTICE STEPHEN LAOYE POPOOLA.

On Friday, September 19, 2025, the Oyo State Judiciary holds a valedictory court session in honour of the late Hon. Justice Stephen Laoye Popoola, the first Justice of the High Court from Oke Ogun side of Oyo state. The solemn gathering celebrates his noble life and enduring legacy.

The session begins with the national and state anthems, after which the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice I. S. Yerima, welcomes all attendees. Present are the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef O. Fagbemi, SAN; the Attorney General of Oyo State; a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State; retired and serving judges; magistrates; NBA chairmen from Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso, and Saki branches; representatives of the Body of Senior Advocates; and members of the late justice’s family.

Justice Yerima describes the late jurist as a trailblazer whose contributions to Nigeria’s justice system are immeasurable. From Saki, Justice Popoola makes history as the first Justice of the High Court from the Oke Ogun side of Oyo state. He also serves as a distinguished member of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal and later as a member of the Federal Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission. He is remembered for his tireless work ethic, integrity, compassion, and selflessness.

In 2019, Governor Seyi Makinde appoints him chairman of a seven-man committee to audit the finances of the 33 local governments and 35 Local Council Development Areas. The committee’s report strengthens accountability and reorganization in local government administration.

In his tribute, the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Fagbemi, SAN, calls Justice Popoola “a masterclass in integrity, intellect, and impartiality.” He describes his judgments as moral compasses—crafted with clarity and courage—and notes that justice, for him, is not only delivered but deeply felt. He urges the legal community to honour Justice Popoola not only with words but by upholding judicial independence, embracing reforms, and ensuring that justice is never denied.

The Attorney General of Oyo State calls his death a great loss to the state and the nation. He highlights the retired judge’s contributions to governance, noting his pivotal role in restructuring local government administration under Governor Makinde.

The Chairman of NBA Ibadan Branch recalls Justice Popoola’s rare character, wisdom, fairness, and godliness, saying his courtroom was “top-notch” and his judgments worthy of study. NBA representatives from Oyo and Saki branches describe him as a disciplined patriot, fearless in judgment, whose brilliance earned him his historic appointment. One of the tributes closes with the Bible verse: “The memory of the just is blessed.”

A representative of the Body of Senior Advocates calls Justice Popoola a remarkable judge who lived a scandal-free life of inspiration and deep learning. He is remembered as a mentor to many, including the current Attorney General of the Federation, and as a father blessed to see his child become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the family, his son, Larry Popoola, thanks attendees for their presence. He says the gathering comforts them by reminding them that his father was more than a judge—he was a man whose life touched many and whose legacy lives on.

The session closes as a dignified celebration of the late Justice Popoola’s life of service, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to justice.