Oyebanji to name new court complex after first female Chief Judge, Omoleye

EKITI State governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday disclosed that the new court complex being constructed by the state government would be named after the first female Chief Judge of the state, Hon Justice Oyebisi Folayemi Omoleye, in appreciation and recognition of her outstanding contribution to the justice administration and dedicated service to the state and Nigeria.

Justice Omoleye, who was the first female Chief Judge of Ekiti State, had a distinguished judicial career spanning several decades. She served at various levels before her elevation to the Court of Appeal, where she is retiring having attained the mandatory retirement age of 70. 

Governor Oyebanji, who disclosed the government’s plan during a special valedictory court session held in honour of Justice Omoleye at the High Court complex in Ado Ekiti, also presented a new Toyota SUV to the retiring judge, describing the gestures as a token of appreciation for her service to the judiciary and for making the state proud throughout her career.

He said, “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.

Earlier in his opening remarks at the valedictory court session, the representative of President of the Court of Appeal, Hon Justice Ali Gumel, described Justice Omoleye as a distinguished judicial officer who had contributed immensely to the development of Nigerian judiciary and justice administration.

He commended her professionalism, integrity and commitment to the administration of justice throughout her years on the bench.

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

Apata said Justice Omoleye’s distinguished career had demonstrated that excellence could be achieved without compromising professional standards, noting that her intellectual development, commitment to service and relentless dedication to the judiciary had distinguished her career on the bench.

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In her response, Justice Oyebisi Omoleye appreciated God for guiding and sustaining her throughout her judicial career, saying her journey had never been merely a succession of offices but a series of experiences that shaped her understanding of law, service and humanity.

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

Also 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, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), and other legal luminaries.