The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun , Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, and Attorney General of Federation and Minister of Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, on Monday eulogized the virtues of late Justice Emmanuel Ayoola
who died on August 20, this year at the age of 90 years.
They described him as one of Nigeria’s most erudite and versatile jurists whose voice will keep resonating in our courtrooms.
Speaking at a special valedictory Supreme Court session held in honour of late Justice Ayoola on Monday in Abuja , Chief Adegboyega Awomolo SAN
said that “Honourable Justice Emmanuel Olayinka Ayoola will be remembered for his words of truth, the judgments that delivered justice he gave, his deliberate crusade against corruption, and uncommon zeal for preservation of judicial integrity and honour nationally and globally.”
He said that the virtues which Ayoola and others fought for that made Nigerian judiciary a pride have been eroded such that the judiciary continues to lose public confidence, dignity and it’s independence as an arm of government.
Awomolo SAN who spoke on behalf of Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria said that the duty and responsibility of salvaging the judiciary from these prejudices and eliminating the negative public perception of the judiciary lies with the lawyers.
“There must be responsibility and accountability by every Lawyer and Judge.
“There must be consequence for every inappropriate conduct by members of the Bar and Bench. The National Judicial Council must show its authority and powers,” if the present situation of the judiciary must be revamped, he noted.
However, he noted that “the decision of the Court of Appeal delivered on Monday 4″ of November 2024, which restored the integrity, honour, dignity and the Independence of the judiciary, as an arm of government, under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and liberations of judiciary from the whims and caprices of the other arms of government must be noticed and applauded.”
While applauding the action of Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who Is the Chairman, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, that triggered the change, Awomolo said “Hon. Justice Olayinka Ayoola, JSC like all those who have gone before him have laid good foundation for Judiciary and they will be remembered for their roles and time.”
Awomolo however observed that “young people no longer respect the law and found it easily convenient to participate in criminality. We all know that weak judiciary undermines Nigeria democratic system allowing impunity to thrive.”
On her part, CJN Justice Kekere-Ekun who chronicled the career progression of late Justice Ayoola said “as it is today, we behold my lord Hon. Justice Emmanuel Ayoola as a jewel of inestimable value, an epitome of judicial excellence, whose voice will keep resonating in our courtrooms. He was that pillar you could lean on without looking at its foundation.
” His meteoric record on the Bench and the indelible footprints he has left on the global stage continue to inspire hope and courage in us all. His Lordship, Hon. Justice Ayoola lived a life that touched us in diverse ways and also offered us sufficient reasons to be counted among his admirers and followers.
Also speaking at the valedictory Supreme court session the Attorney General of Federation and Minister of Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN commends the selfless service late Justice Ayoola rendered to humanity .
Late Justice Ayoola while in service served as a Justice of The Gambian Court of Appeal in 1980, a role that recognised his integrity, astuteness, and dedication. He was subsequently appointed Chief Justice of The Gambia in January, 1983. As he concluded his assignment in The Gambia, he was called to serve on the Seychelles Court of Appeal in January, 1992, eventually becoming the President of the Court in January, 1999.
Shortly after retiring from the Supreme Court on 27th October, 2003, the ever inspiring services of the late legal luminary were once again sought to preside over the National Human Rights Commission as Chairman by then civilian administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,. In 2004, he was appointed President of the Appeals Chamber of the Special Court for Sierra Leone.
As a Jurist of high moral standing who consistently spoke against societal corruption and vices, His Lordship was appointed as Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in September, 2005. He also served as the Chairman of Judges´ Performance Evaluation Committee and Member, Judges Appointment Interview Committee of the National Judicial Council till 2023.