OYEBANJI TO APPOINT NEW COURT COMPLEX TO FIRST FEMALE CHIEF JUDGE, OMOLEYE

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, disclosed on Tuesday that the new judicial complex constructed by the state government will be named after the first female Chief Justice of the state, Honorable Justice Oyebisi Folayemi Omoleye, in appreciation and recognition for her outstanding contribution to the administration of justice and dedicated service to the State and Nigeria.

Justice Omoleye, who was the first female Chief Justice of Ekiti State, had an illustrious judicial career spanning several decades. She served at various levels before being elected to the Court of Appeal, where she is retiring having reached the mandatory retirement age of 70.

Governor Oyebanji, who revealed the government’s plan at a special valedictory session held in honor of Justice Omoleye at the High Court Complex, Ado Ekiti, also presented a brand new Toyota SUV to the retired judge, describing the gestures as a token of appreciation for his service to the judiciary and for making the state proud throughout his career.

The Governor commended the outgoing judge for navigating the judicial path without blemish.
She expressed optimism that Justice Omoleye will return to the court premises in the next month to commission the new court building built by the state government and named after her.

He argued that the honor would serve as a lasting reminder of his contributions to the judiciary and the state.

The Governor said: “This is to express appreciation, this is just a token from the government and people of Ekiti State to thank you for your service, for making us proud and for walking this landmark without blemish. My prayer is that the good Lord will continue to protect you and be with you and in the coming months we expect to see you here to commission the new court building which will bear your name. Congratulations.”

Earlier, in his opening address at the valedictory session of the court, the representative of the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ali Gumel, described Justice Omoleye as a distinguished judicial officer who had contributed immensely to the development of the Nigerian judiciary and administration of justice. He praised his professionalism, integrity and commitment to the administration of justice during his years on the bench.

He explained that the farewell session provided an opportunity for magistrates, legal practitioners, family and community members to celebrate his years of meritorious service and contribution to the justice system.

Also in his remarks, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata, (SAN), described Justice Omoleye as an exceptional jurist and an expert lawyer, maintaining that Nigerians and the Ekiti people owed him a debt of gratitude for his contribution to the administration of justice and the development of the legal profession.

Apata said Justice Omoleye’s distinguished career has demonstrated that excellence can be achieved without compromising professional standards, stressing that his intellectual development, commitment to service and relentless dedication to the judiciary have distinguished his career on the bench.

In her response, Justice Oyebisi Omoleye appreciated God for guiding and supporting her throughout her judicial career, saying her journey was never simply a succession of assignments but a series of experiences that shaped her understanding of law, service and humanity.

Reflecting on his years in public service, Justice Omoleye, who served as Chief Justice of Ekiti State between 2003 and 2006, before his elevation to the Court of Appeal where he spent 20 years, said he would leave active service with “gratitude and no regrets”.

He described public office as a responsibility entrusted to an individual for a period and not as personal property, he emphasized that the office is always greater than the person who occupies it.

Justice Omoleye expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji, former Governor Adeniyi Adebayo and others who supported her throughout her career, saying the governor’s presence at the valedictory session meant a lot to her.

Also present at the event were the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olayemi Adelami, Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Wole Olanipekun, (SAN), Human Rights Lawyer, Femi Falana, (SAN) and other legal luminaries.