By Adebisi Onanuga
Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu has enjoined members of the bar and bench to live a worthy life and emulate the late Justice Solomon Olufunso Sodeke (rtd), who she said served the state diligently and best of his knowledge while alive.
Justice Dipeolu gave this admonition at a special court session in honour of late Justice Sodeke (rtd), held at new High Court Complex, Kobape Road, Abeokuta.
She described Justice Sodeke as “a jurist per excellence” and “a man of integrity” whose commitment to the administration of justice was second to none.
The chief Judge noted that the state judiciary and the legal profession as a whole, has indeed lost a great legal mind, an invaluable gem and jurist.
“There is no gainsaying the fact that this erudite legal icon lived a life worthy of emulation and I enjoin everyone here present to weep not at his demise but rather celebrate his life and the worthy legacies he left behind”, Justice Dipeolu said.
She added that Justice Sodeke was “ a role model, an incorruptible Judge and a gentleman per excellence”, stressing, “ his Lordship was a very thorough Judge who would not leave a stone unturned.
“I will personally miss his amiable and radiating personae, his life was a gift to the legal profession particularly to the state judiciary and indeed to humanity. Also, his Lordship’s dexterity and knowledge of law was obvious to all, and was especially evident in his judgment”, Dipeolu added
The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, (BOSAN)represented by Sola Ojutalayo (SAN) remarked that death was a path all mortals must trudge whether voluntarily or involuntarily; it is a visitor we must all receive at a point in our existence willingly or unwillingly’’.
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He said the late Justice Sodeke was a thorough bred judicial officer who was forged in the crucibles of private practice and public service, saying that he also excelled on the Bench where he dispensed justice with discernible ease and uncanny erudition.
He recalled that Justice Sodeke presided over various matters with finesse and candor; without fear of the power that be or favour of associates and friends even at a time when access to justice was mere political slogan on the lips of tyrants who held the reins of power under military rule of that era.
“Even though His Lordship has left this sinful world, his legacies will continue to speak for him. These legacies are his good name, his integrity, transparency, good nature, good deeds and his children amongst others”, Ojutalayo said
Also, Pastor Tunde Bakare of the Latter Rain Assembly said that the late Justice was “urbane in outlook, princely in carriage, regal in communication, diligent in the discharge of his enormous responsibilities and truly decorous and honourable in conduct and disposition”.
He added that His Lordship was indeed a perfect gentleman who would be sorely missed by all who were fortunate to have crossed his path, urging the members of the Bar and Bench to emulate or take a cue from the late jurist.
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