The Ekiti State Government has announced that the new High Court Complex under construction in the state will be named after Hon. Justice Oyebisi Omoleye, the retiring Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Ekiti Division. This announcement was made by Governor Biodun Oyebanji during a valedictory court session organized in honor of Justice Omoleye, who has retired after nearly 48 years of service in the legal profession and judiciary. The ceremony, held at the Court of Appeal in Ado-Ekiti, was attended by serving and retired judicial officers, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, government officials, and family members.
Justice Omoleye's career has been marked by significant milestones, including her appointment to the High Court Bench in 1998, her elevation to Chief Judge of Ekiti State in 2003, and her appointment to the Court of Appeal in June 2006. She eventually became the Presiding Justice of the appellate court in September 2013. Her contributions to Nigeria's justice system have been widely acknowledged, and she has been described as a distinguished jurist whose career has enriched Nigeria's jurisprudence and strengthened the administration of justice.
During the valedictory session, Justice Ali Gumel of the Kano Division paid tribute to Justice Omoleye on behalf of the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem. Justice Gumel recalled that Justice Omoleye was called to the Nigerian Bar in July 1978 and began her legal career at the Ondo State Ministry of Justice in Akure, where she rose through the ranks to become Director of Public Prosecutions. He also noted that her career took her to the Ekiti State House of Assembly, where she served as Clerk and Director-General.
In her emotional valedictory address, Justice Omoleye reflected on her journey from Ikole-Ekiti to one of the highest judicial offices in the country. She noted that the bench had taught her that judicial office was a sacred trust and never a personal possession. According to her, judges are merely custodians of institutions that existed long before them and will continue long after they leave office. She also spoke candidly about one of the darkest moments of her life—the death of her husband in 1990.
Justice Omoleye shared that the painful experience of losing her husband left her with the responsibility of raising her children alone while pursuing an increasingly demanding judicial career. She said the tragedy deepened her understanding that many people who come before the courts carry invisible burdens. However, she stressed that judges must always be guided by the law. Her reflections highlighted the personal and professional challenges she overcame during her remarkable career.
In addition to announcing the naming of the High Court Complex after Justice Omoleye, Governor Oyebanji presented her with a mini bus. The governor also disclosed that Justice Omoleye would return to officially inaugurate the court complex upon its completion. A special police match parade was staged in her honor, symbolizing the nation's appreciation for her decades of service to justice and public administration.
The ceremony celebrating Justice Omoleye's career was attended by numerous dignitaries, including serving and retired judicial officers, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and government officials. The event was a testament to her legacy and the impact she has had on Nigeria's justice system. Key points from the ceremony include:
Key points
- The Ekiti State Government has named the new High Court Complex after Justice Oyebisi Omoleye.
- Justice Omoleye has served for nearly 48 years in the legal profession and judiciary.
- The ceremony celebrated her contributions to Nigeria's justice system and her legacy.
