The Court of Appeal on Wednesday honoured the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Ekiti Division, Hon. Justice Oyebisi Omoleye, as she bowed out of the bench after nearly five decades in the legal profession and judicial service.
Omoleye, who attained the mandatory retirement age of 70, was celebrated at a valedictory court session held at the Court of Appeal, Ado-Ekiti, attended by serving and retired judicial officers, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, government officials, family members and other dignitaries.
The occasion also featured a special police match parade in honour of the retiring Justice, with officers marching in recognition of her years of service to the judiciary and the country.
In a special tribute delivered on behalf of the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, the court described Omoleye as a distinguished jurist whose years on the bench contributed significantly to the administration of justice.
The President who was represented by Justice Ali Gumel of the Court of Appeal, Kano Division, noted that Omoleye was called to the Nigerian Bar in July 1978 and began her career at the Ministry of Justice in Akure, Ondo State, where she rose through various positions to become Director of Public Prosecutions.
She later served as Clerk and Director-General of the Ekiti State House of Assembly before her appointment to the High Court Bench in 1998.
She became Chief Judge of Ekiti State in 2003 and was elevated to the Court of Appeal in June 2006, becoming a Presiding Justice of the appellate court in September 2013.
Justice Dongban-Mensem commended her for bringing her wealth of experience and knowledge of the law to bear on cases before the various divisions of the Court of Appeal where she served.
In her valedictory address, Omoleye reflected on her journey from her home town of Ikole-Ekiti to the highest levels of the judiciary, saying her career had taught her that judicial office was a trust rather than a personal possession.
She said judges were only temporary custodians of institutions that existed before them and would continue after their departure.
The retiring Justice also spoke about the personal challenges she faced during her career, particularly the death of her husband in 1990 when she was 34 years old.
She said the loss left her with the responsibility of raising her children while continuing her professional career, describing the period as one of the most difficult experiences of her life.
According to her, the experience did not make her sentimental as a judge, but made her more conscious that people who appeared before the courts were human beings carrying burdens that might not always be visible to the court.
Omoleye said her years on the bench had taught her the importance of restraint, fairness and humility, stressing that judges must allow the record and the law to guide their decisions rather than personal feelings or sentiments.
She also expressed gratitude to colleagues, lawyers, judicial staff, family members and other individuals who supported her throughout her career.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Ekiti State, Dayo Apata, described Omoleye as an exceptional jurist, accomplished woman and distinguished daughter of the state.
Apata said her career had been characterised by diligence, discipline, courage and commitment to excellence, adding that she had broken professional barriers in both public service and the judiciary.
He commended her contribution to the development of Nigerian jurisprudence and described her retirement as a moment of thanksgiving, reflection and celebration.
Shortly after the valedictory session, Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, presented a mini bus to the retired Justice as part of activities marking her retirement.
Oyebanji also announced that the new High Court complex currently under construction in the state would be named after Omoleye.
The governor said the retired Justice would return to commission the building when construction was completed.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Akure Division, Hon. Justice Muhammed Shuaibu; Head of Service, Ekiti State, Dr. Foluke Olomojobi; Chief of Staff to the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Justice, Ekiti State, Dayo Apata; Commissioner for Justice, Abia State, Ikechukwu Uwanna; and Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State, CP Michael Falade; Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Mr. Lekan Ogunmoye; and legal luminaries, Asiwaju Wale Olanipekun and Mr. Femi Falana.
