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Tag: Chief Judge

  • 41 years after creation, Benue south produces Chief Judge

    FORTYONE years after the creation of Benue State, someone from Benue south senatorial zone has been appointed the chief judge of the state.

    Benue State House of Assembly has confirmed the nomination of Hon. Justice Adam Onum as the new Chief Judge of Benue State

    The confirmation followed a letter of nomination addressed to the Speaker and read on the floor by the House Deputy Speaker, Mr. James Okefe.

    The letter forwarding his nomination to the House explained that it was following the recommendation from the National Judicial Council, (NJC).

    Governor Samuel Ortom has approved his appointment in line with Section 271, subsection 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Consequently, the member for Adoka/Ogboju Constituency, Mr. Adam Okloho, moved a motion that the nominee be confirmed. The motion was seconded by Dr. Adora Onah.

    Announcing his confirmation, the deputy speaker, Okefe, described the new chief judge as an impeccable and impartial judge whose track record of performance is outstanding.

    Okefe praised the NJC and Governor Ortom for finding Justice Onum worthy to hold the position, adding that the fact that he is the first indigene from the Benue South Senatorial District to be appointed to the position.

    The governor has proved that the APC administration in the state is fair to all manner of people. The deputy speaker advised the new chief judge to reciprocate the gesture of the governor by rededicating himself to the smooth administration of justice.

     

  • Assembly okays Ambode’s nominee for chief judge

    Assembly okays Ambode’s nominee for chief judge

    The Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday cleared the chief judge-nominee of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Justice Opeyemi Olufunmilayo Oke.

    Justice Oke was appointed acting chief judge two months ago after retirement of the former Chief Judge, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade.

    Ambode wrote the Assembly to clear the nominee, as stipulated by the law.

    With the appointment, Justice Oke becomes the third consecutive female chief judge, after Justices Ayotunde Phillips and Olufunmilayo Atilade.

    The chief judge answered questions from lawmakers.

    She backed the death penalty to serve as a deterrent to others.

    Justice Oke said the death penalty should be sustained, adding that those who kill others should be killed to serve as a deterrent to others.

    “Those who kill others should be killed. I challenge governors to sign death warrants so that people would be discouraged from killing others. I am for the death penalty.”

    Justice Oke, who was born in 1954, studied Law at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) at Ile-Ife in Osun State and the Nigerian Law School.

    She worked briefly at her father’s law chamber, Okesanya and Okesanya & Co.

    She went to the United States of America (U.S.A) for a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration, and specialised in Criminology and Juvenile Delinquency.

    On her return to Nigeria, she worked briefly at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), where she prepared contracts.

    Justice Oke worked with the Lagos State government, starting her career as a chief magistrate.

    Justice Oke was deputy court registrar until becoming a judge of the High Court.

    She chaired the Armed Robbery Tribunal, Election Petition Tribunal and handled civic as well as land cases.

    The chief judge was in the United State for a programme sponsored by Congress.

    There, she studied Judicial Administration for electronic recording.

    On her return, she established the Citizen Mediation Centre to settle certain civil cases out of court.

    The House of Assembly yesterday passed into law a bill to promote Yoruba language in Lagos schools.

    The bill is entitled: “A Bill for a Law To Provide for the Preservation and Promotion of the Use of Yoruba Language and for Connected purposes.”

    Speaking on the bill, which passed through the third reading during plenary yesterday, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa directed the Clerk, Mr. Sanni Azeez, to pass it to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for assent.

    The bill stipulates that it is compulsory for primary and secondary schools to include Yoruba language as a core subject.

    The bill also provides that laws in the state would be translated into Yoruba.

    Besides, all state-owned tertiary institutions are to incorporate Yoruba in the General Studies (GNS) courses.

    It reads: “The use of Yoruba language shall be an acceptable means of communication between individuals, establishment, corporate entities and government in the state if so desired by the concerned.

    “It shall not be an offence for a person to speak Yoruba language by the state government.”

    It added that any school that fails to comply with Section 2 of the law commits an offence and is liable on first violation to warning and on subsequent violation to be closed down and pay a N500,000 fine.

  • Expectations high as Lagos gets new Chief Judge

    Expectations high as Lagos gets new Chief Judge

    Yet another woman judge, Justice Opeyemi Oluwafunmilayo Oke, has become the Acting Chief Judge (CJ) of Lagos State. ADEBISI ONANUGA writes on her journey to becoming the next CJ of the state and the tasks before her.

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has sworn in Justice Opeyemi Oluwafunmilayo Oke as the Acting Chief Judge (CJ) of Lagos State.

    Justice Oke took over from Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade who attained the mandatory retirement age of 65 on September 24, which coincided with her birthday.

    Justice Oke becomes the sixth female Chief Judge of Lagos. Before now, she was the Head Judge and Chairman, Governing Council of the Lagos Multi-Door Court House (LMDCH).

    The Lagos judiciary produced the first female Chief Judge on April 12, 1995 with the appointment of late Justice Rosaline Omotoso, who succeeded the late Justice Ligali Ayorinde. She retired on February 26, 1996.

    Thirteen years after, after the reign of six male CJs and the appointment of a woman CJ, Justice I. A. Sutominu, who was in office between May 28, 2001 and March 5, 2004, Justice Inumidun Enitan Akande, came into office on September 8, 2009 and retired June 11, 2012, starting a chain of women CJs in the state.

    The mantle of leadership fell on Justice Ayotunde Phillips on June 14, 2012. She served till July 26, 2014, and was succeeded by her sister, Justice Atilade on August 20, 2014.

    Justices Phillips and Atilade made history because both are siblings and children of a late judge, Justice James Williams.

    Justice Oke was born on June 10, 1954 to the family of Barrister (Revd.) B. F. O. Otesanya and Mrs E. O. Otesanya from Ogun State.

     

    Lawyers expectations

     

    The tenure of Justice Atilade witnessed some achievements.

    They include computerisation of the Probate Registry in Ikeja and Lagos divisions and Appeal registry, refurbishment of the archive section, inauguration of fast track court registry, renovation of judges chambers, renovation of e-library in Lagos judicial chamber, provision of lawyer’s changing room, among others.

    Lawyers have urged Justice Oke to do better and surpass all these given her wide experience at home and abroad in judicial matters.

    Mr Babatunde Fashanu (SAN) advised the acting CJ to find solution to delays in court proceedings, especially the pre-trial Case Management Conference proceedings, which is set for maximum of three months but goes even beyond two years in majority of cases. Most importantly, he asked her to address corruption at the bench and among non-judicial staff.

    “Firstly, I will like to use this opportunity to congratulate My Lord Justice Opeyemi Oke on her appointment as the Acting CJ. My Lord’s topmost priority should be fighting corruption in the Judiciary, particularly among the judiciary workers.

    “My Lord must be firm and determined in fighting this cankerworm which has become a norm in the Judiciary,” he said.

     

    Fight corruption

     

    Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Welfare Secretary Adesina Adegbite said lawyers have been  embarrassed by judiciary workers who demand tips before documents and briefs filed in the court registry are processed.

    He asked her to address corruption among these level of judiciary staff.

    Adegbite asked her to overhaul the Sheriff section of the Lagos Judiciary. He recommended that the National Industrial Court model should be adopted.

    “There should be an end to lawyers having interface with bailiffs. Speedy and effective service of processes is a consequential foundation for an efficient Justice delivery system.

    “There is also need for urgent review of the administration of probate system including the very high fees being charged for process of probate documents,” he said.

    NBA Ikorodu Branch, through its chairman Levi Adikwaone, urged her to take necessary steps to review the decision on judiciary stamp and the new filing regime in the state.

    “No doubt, the introduction of the judiciary stamp and the new filing regime in the state judiciary with their attendant cost consequences are bitter taste in the administration of justice in the state. The common man is seriously affected,” he said.

     

    Reduce cost of litigation

     

    Lawyers believe the cost of litigation in Lagos is on the increase, making justice only available to the rich.

    They urged her to ensure that filing fees and others costs are reduced.

    Former Ikorodu Branch chairman Dotun Adetunji said the new CJ should reverse the payment of high amount per folio for certified true copies (CTC) of orders, rulings and judgments.

    He said unless this was done, access to justice for the poor would be further restricted.

    Adetunji urged Justice Oke to initiate reforms in civil and criminal procedures, case management  facilitation, and criminal justice sector co-ordination.

     

    Tackle delays

     

    Lagos lawyer Ahmed Adetola-Kazeem, who is the founder and director, Prisoners’ Rights Advocacy Initiative (PRAI), asked Justice Oke to focus on ensuring speedy, just and efficient dispensation of justice particularly in criminal cases where the liberty of individuals are at stake.

    According to him, the CJ should also ensure that more judges are appointed and  that  verbatim recorders are provided in all courts to ease the work of judicial officers.

    “The Chief Judge should also ensure an efficient juvenile justice system where the provisions of the Child Rights Law are strictly adhered to by judicial officers.

    “This can be achieved by organising periodic training for judicial officers, particularly the magistrates.

    “The CJ should issue guidelines mandating judicial officers to carry out an enquiry into the age of any defendant where there is reasonable suspicion that the person is below 18 irrespective of the age written on the documents by law enforcement agents.

    “This will forestall the imprisonment of under aged persons which have plagued the state for long.

    “Discipline must be taken seriously to ensure that judges remain upright and efficient in their duties and that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man,” he said.

    Director, Constitutional Rights and Peoples Developlment Advocacy Initiative, Ikeji Ikechukwu, said he had appeared before Justice Oke a number of times.

    He said: “I see her as a motherly figure sitting on the exalted seat of justice dishing out justice to her children in equal measure. She is a kind woman and fair in spirit.

    “There is no doubt that she will carry out her responsibilities with the same motherly excellence that she has exhibited thus far in her career. We at the Constitutional Rights and Peoples Development Advocacy Initiative wish her a successful tenure.”

     

    Carry out reforms

     

    A former member of Ogun State Judicial Service Commission, Abayomi Omoyinmi, urged Justice Oke to improve on the reforms initiated by her predecessor.

    Omoyinmi said she should put in place policies that will further improve the dispensation of justice.

    “As the new incoming Chairman of the state’s Judicial Service Commission, she must further work cohesively with the judiciary staffs in terms of discipline, dedication with their job in order to maintain the high standard expected from all the judiciary staff and the lower bench,” he added.

    Head of Litigation, African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Nihinlolawa Aluko-Olokun, asked the Acting CJ to decongest of the courts and quicken dispensation of justice.

    She wants her to create more divisions of the courts for easy administration and more family courts to handle and quicken adjudication of cases on rape, child defilement, amon others.

    “The CJ is no stranger to the system. I dare say My Lord is quite familiar with all the challenges bedevilling the judicial system.

    “There is need to urgently address the issue of the recently introduced ‘Lagos Judiciary seal’ which many view as impeding access to justice due to increased cost of litigation.

    “It is also believed that the filing processes are too tedious and should be streamlined. Ongoing efforts to sanitise the registry must, therefore, be sustained and improved upon.

    “The former CJ gave the courts a facelift. Improvement in courts’ infrastructure should be sustained.

    “There is a pressing need for increased oversight of the mobile court system to ensure that citizens’ rights are not trampled upon as often alleged,” Aluko-Olokun.

    Former Publicity Secretary, NBA Lagos Branch Emeka Nwadioke, said he was convinced that the acting CJ  was highly focused on tackling the challenges in the judicial system.

    “Like her predecessor, My Lord is bound to enjoy an excellent rapport with the Bar. Her empathy and self-effacing mien will rub off positively on Bar-Bench relations,” he added.

     

    Her profile

     

    Justice Oke attended the Methodist Primary School Surelere from 1961-1963; Methodist Primary School, Ekotedo Ibadan (1964-1965); University of Ife Staff School, Ibadan Campus, (1965-1967); Fiwasaiye Anglican Girls’ Grammar School, Akure (1968-1972); and Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, 1973.

    She attended the University of Ife, Ile-Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) between 1973 and 1978; Nigerian Law School (1978-1979) and was called to bar in 1979.

    She proceeded to Coppin State College, Baltimore, State of Maryland, United States (1980-1982), and obtained a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. She made First Class Honours.

    For her professional career, Justice Oke was a counsel in the law firm of her parents, Otesanya & Otesanya in 1979.

    She later left for US again after a two-year stint and was Maryland State-Parole and Probate Department Volunteer Service Award winner 1981-1982; Legal Officer, Federal Housing Authority, 1982-1986.

    Justice Oke joined the Lagos State Judiciary as a Senior Magistrate and  became Chief Magistrate Grade 1 1986-1996; and Deputy Chief Registrar 1993-1994.

    She was appointed a Judge of High Court of Lagos State on July 19, 1996.

     

  • Chief Judge frees 129 Kirikiri inmates

    Lagos State Chief Judge Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade yesterday freed129 inmates of Kirikiri Prisons. The freed were from the medium and female prisons.

    Eighty were freed from Badagry Prison on August 1, bringing to 142, the total number of juveniles pardoned by Justice Atilade within two weeks.

    Among were 62 underage inmates.

    Thirteen were from the female prison; 49, medium prison.

    The remaining are physically challenged inmates comprising those convicted and awaiting trials.

    Justice Atilade urged the pardoned to ensure that they refrained to be of good behaviour, henceforth.”

    Head of the Prison Decongestion Committee, Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye described the situation in the prisons as sad.

    “I understand that children do break the law as well as adult. However, we should deal with children with a lighter hand. You children are the future leaders of tomorrow, children from zero to 16 years should be in school, if you can’t go to school, go and learn a trade. What is important is that we do not see you here again”, she told them.

    At the Kirikiri Female Prison, Head of the Family Courts, Justice Yetunde Idowu said the state was not happy seeing children in adults prisons.

    She said: “It does not give us pleasure to be here. The Chief Judge and other women in this team are mothers and grandmothers. The Lagos State government has zero tolerance for children in prison; you should be home with your families. Don’t do things that will bring you back here. Don’t steal, we don’t want you hawking tell your parents that.”

    Lagos State Solicitor-General Mrs. Funlola Odunlami said the government had enacted laws that would keep children out of the prisons.

    She said: “The law forbids hawking, tell your parents that they should not send you to hawk. Don’t bow to pressure of friends, if you are sent back here you will be dealt with more harshly than this.”

    Deputy Comptroller in charge of the Kirikiri Medium Prisons, Emmanuel Oluwaniyi said: “We thank you for the mother we have found in you, this is the second time you are coming. The first time you released 64 inmates, this time we are hoping over 100 will be released. The release of inmates has doused the pressure we have been feeling in the prison.”

    The 1,700 capacity Kirikiri Prison presently houses 3,816 inmates. Among them are 3,093 awaiting trial inmates and 723 convicts.

  • Ebonyi CJ frees 38 awaiting-trial inmates

    Ebonyi CJ frees 38 awaiting-trial inmates

    The Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, Justice Alloy Nwankwo has freed 38 inmates serving in Abakaliki and Afikpo federal prisons  during a jail delivery exercise.

    Nwankwo, while addressing journalists, said that the jail delivery exercise was in exercise of the constitutional rights conferred on the Chief Justice of the Federation and the Chief Judges of states by the Nigerian Constitution.

    Giving a breakdown, the Chief Judge said nine inmates were released from Abakaliki prisons while nine others were released from Afikpo prisons.

    He said the exercise was to decongest the prison yard by releasing awaiting trial inmates who have been in custody without trial over a period of time.

    According to him, 11 inmates awaiting trial were discharged, nine were granted bail on self-recognition while the other nine were admitted to conditional bail in Abakaliki prisons.

    Also, in Afikpo prisons, 5 inmates were discharged without condition, 3 released on bail condition and 1 freed on self-recognition.

    He said that the facility was built to accommodate 387 inmates but lamented that no fewer than 1000 both awaiting trial and convicted inmates were presently housed in the facility.

    “There are over 1000 inmates in the prison yard built to accommodate 387 inmates hence the need for us to regularly visit the prisons to treat deserving cases in order to decongest the prisons in line with  the  prisons reform policy.

    “Our work as I said earlier does not include coming here to release all awaiting inmates, there are procedures otherwise we will be disobeying the law and that is not our intention”, Nwankwo said.

    Justice Nwankwo commended the prisons authority for compiling the case files in proper order, saying by October, there would be a repeat of the exercise to further decongest the prison.

    He urged the freed inmates to be of good conduct and to avoid engaging in further criminal activities that could throw them back to prison.

    “You must be of good conduct, shun further criminal activities and work to contribute meaningfully to the society.

    “Those on bail we are charging to be of good behaviour and to stick to the bail conditions to avoid revocation of the bail,” he added.

    Those released include; 66-year-old Patrick Orji accused of alleged murder incarcerated for nine years without trial, Ikechukwu Okoro and Chibueze Nweke.

    Others discharged are: Chinonso Nwibo who is deaf and dumb, Chibuike Agbo, Ndubuisi Ogbonna, Ndubuisi Nworie and 12-year-old Chibuike Omuka charged with alleged burglary among others.

    Also, the Prisons Boss, Comptroller Emelia Adaobi Oputa, has handed over barbing saloon equipment to one of the freed prisons inmates  Chinonso Nwibo, as part of efforts to rehabilitate prisoners serving various jails terms within the facility.

    Handing over the equipment to Chinonso Nwibo, she advised him to be of good behaviour and make use of the equipment to start his trade.

     

  • Akeredolu swears in Chief Judge

    Akeredolu swears in Chief Judge

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) yesterday swore in the Acting Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Olanrewaju Akeredolu.

    He described the Judiciary as one of the cardinal pillars on which society rests and the tripod carrying democratic institutions over the years.

    The governor said the nation’s Judiciary has lived up to expectation in dispensing justice without fear or favour.

    Akeredolu noted that the principle of separation of powers gives appropriate roles to each arm of government, adding that the Judiciary has proved to be the last hope of the people.

    He said: “This administration will continue to be associated with merit and unwavering dedication to serve the people. Nepotism will not be associated with this administration.”

    Justice Akeredolu said her success was ordained by God, promising to discharge her duties with fairness and honesty.

    She solicited the cooperation of other judges, registrars, magistrates and the workforce of the state’s Judiciary to ensure justice for all.

    The new CJ assured the residents that her administration would have zero tolerance for corruption.

    Justice Akeredolu appealed to the governor to support the Judiciary with necessary funds.

    She pledged to use them properly for effective delivery of justice.

     

     

     

     

  • Oyo Chief Judge grants amnesty to 22 prisoners

    The Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Muktah Abimbola, has granted amnesty to 22 inmates of Abolongo Prisons.

    He also sentenced three others to three months community service.

    The ceremony was in honour of an advocate of prisons decongestion and member of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Prince Adetayo Adekunle.

    The Chairman of the Oyo Metropolitan Development Association, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, showered encomiums on Adekunle for the noble cause.

    Ladigbolu also charged the released prisoners never to go back to their vomit.

    In his goodwill message, the Deputy Comptroller of Prisons in charge of Abolongo Prisons, Oyo Mr. S. Esan, thanked the CJ for heeding the call for prisons decongestion.

     

  • Ayade swears-in acting chief judge

    Ayade swears-in acting chief judge

    •Urges him on reforms

    Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade yesterday swore-in the Acting Chief Judge, Justice Michael Edem.
    This followed the death of Justice Okoi Ikpi Itam.
    Swearing in the acting chief judge, whose appointment is in line with Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution, the governor said: “We are witnessing the ascension into power of a man with energy, great understanding of literature and poetry of life; an impartial judge.”
    According to him, the acting chief judge is “a man who by his looks alone inspires confidence that Cross River State is already getting set for growth.”
    Ayade urged Justice Edem “to bring the needed reforms to the judiciary, as well as ensure closer relationship between the executive and judiciary while setting a new standard for a higher elevation.”
    The governor, who described the acting chief judge as ‘Power Mike’, who is “filled with strength and stamina”, noted: “I am confident that you will trash
    out outstanding cases that have been pending for too long.”
    He enjoined Justice Edem to be guided by his declaration and oath of office, which states that he will not allow his personal interest to influence his official decision or actions that will not be in the interest of the common man.”
    Ayade added that “this is the time that Cross River will roll out its drums to celebrate a new man who comes with character and energy.”
    He said during his tenure, the indigenes would experience peace, love and tranquility, adding that Justice Edem’s great intellect will direct and take Cross River to a greater height as the No.4 citizen.
    The acting chief judge said: “I will not disappoint people. I am undaunted because I think with due respect to modesty, I can always do it and do it well.”

  • Cross River Chief Judge dies at 62

    Cross River Chief Judge dies at 62

    The Chief Judge of Cross River State, Justice (Obol) Okoi Ikpi Itam, is dead.  A family source said he passed away in the early hours of yesterday after a brief illness.
    Wife of the deceased, Chief Magistrate Helen Itam, said her husband took ill on Friday and was taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) where he died.
    “He complained of feeling somehow in his body and decided to go for check up at a private hospital from where he went to UCTH when the illness became worse,’’ the wife said.
    She described her late husband as a caring and loving person who would stop at nothing to cater for the entire family.
    Consoling the family, Governor Ben Ayade, accompanied by his wife Dr Lynda, Speaker John Lebo and members of the state executive council described the late chief judge of the state as “a wonderful, peaceful man who would always go for the option of peace.”
    The governor likened the death of Itam to “a brick falling on you from the mountain top.”
    He recalled considering the cordial relationship between his family and the deceased’s as well as the cordiality shared between the executive and judicial arms of government in the state.
    Ayade stated upon hearing the deceased’s challenging health he made frantic efforts to move him overseas for treatment, a move which the cruel hands of death did not allow the late chief judge to benefit.
    ”The worst thing that can happen to you is to have a man that you just had a meeting between the executive and judiciary to resolve all challenges on a good note and two days later, you are told that he is no more.
    “There can’t be a greater shock than this and that is the way of mortals which shouldn’t have been,” the governor stated.
    An emotional Ayade said: “I have always accused death for not knowing who to pick. Why won’t death go for the kidnappers?
    “Why won’t death go for those who bring pain and agony to the people? Why will it be somebody who administers justice, bring tranquility, peace and order in the society?’
    ”Death doesn’t even have eyes. It doesn’t even have a sense of feeling. If it does, it would have known that it made a very wrong choice,” he stressed.
    He said the death of the chief judge has showed the nothingness in the world, urging the family to be consoled by the legacies he left behind.
    Born on 18th May 1954 in Ugep Urban in Yakurr Local Government Area, Itam served as Chairman Public Funds and Property Recovery Tribunal, Cross River State 1992- 1997, Judge High Court of Gambia 2000, Judge Advocate  for Gambia Armed Forces  General Court Martial between 2001- 2004, Acting Chief Justice of Gambia 2002, Justice of the Gambia Court of Appeal 2003- 2004 and Chairman Presidential Commission of Enquiry into the Administration activities of the auditor General of Gambia in 2001, among others.

  • Cross River Chief judge is dead

    The Chief Judge of Cross River State, Justice (Obol) Okoi Ikpi Itam is dead.

     According to a family source, he passed away in the early house of Saturday after a brief illness.

     Condoling the bereaved family, Governor Ben Ayade, accompanied by his wife Dr Lynda Ayade, Speaker, Mr. John Gaul Lebo, and members of the state executive council, described the late Chief Judge of the state as “a wonderful, peaceful man who would always go for the option of peace.”

    According to the governor, the death of Itam could be likened to “a brick falling on you from the mountain top,” considering the wonderful and fantastic relationship that existed between his family and that of the deceased as well as the cordiality shared between the executive and judicial arms of government in the state.”

     Ayade disclosed that on hearing of the deceased challenging health, he made frantic effort to ensure that he was moved overseas for treatment, a move which the cruel hands of death did not allow the late Chief Judge to benefit.

     “The worst thing that can happen to you is to have a man that you just had a meeting between the executive and judiciary to resolve all challenges on a good note and two days later, you are told that he is no more. There can’t be a greater shock than this, and that is the way of mortals which shouldn’t have been,” Ayade remarked.

     Ayade who got emotional, said: “I have always accused death for not knowing who to pick. Why won’t death go for the kidnappers? Why won’t death go for those who bring pain and agony to the people? Why will it be somebody who administers justice, bring tranquility, peace and order in the society?”

     Continuing, Ayade said: “Death doesn’t even have eyes, it doesn’t even have a sense of feeling. If it does, it would have known that it made a very wrong choice.”

     He said that the death of the State Chief Judge has gone a long way to reveal the nothingness in the world, urging the bereaved family and the entire  people of the state to be consoled by the legacies he left behind.

     Justice Okoi Ikpi Itam was born on 18th may 1954 in Ugep Urban in Yakurr Local Government Area. After his primary Education, he attended Community Secondary Grammar School, Ugep in 1971 and subsequently moved to University of Nsukka and obtained Bachelor of law degree and was called to bar in 1977.

     He has held many positions within and outside the country which include Chairman Local Government Council election tribunal in 1991, Judge High Court of the State also in 1991, Chairman Public Funds and Property Recovery Tribunal, Cross River State 1992- 1997, Judge High Court of Gambia 2000, Judge Advocate  for Gambia Armed Forces  General Court Martial between 2001- 2004 Acting Chief Justice of Gambia 2002, Justice of the Gambia Court of Appeal 2003- 2004 and Chairman Presidential Commission of enquiry into the Administration activities of the auditor General of Gambia in 2001 among others.