adminEkiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has announced that the new court complex being constructed by the state government will be named after the state’s first female Chief Judge, Justice Oyebisi Folayemi Omoleye, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the judiciary and dedicated service to Ekiti State and Nigeria.
Governor Oyebanji made the announcement on Tuesday during a special valedictory court session held in honour of Justice Omoleye at the High Court Complex in Ado-Ekiti.
Justice Omoleye, who became the first female Chief Judge of Ekiti State, had a distinguished judicial career spanning several decades. She served at various levels of the judiciary before her elevation to the Court of Appeal, where she is retiring upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70.
As part of the recognition for her years of service, Governor Oyebanji also presented the retiring jurist with a brand-new Toyota SUV, describing the gesture as a token of appreciation for her service to the judiciary and for making Ekiti State proud throughout her career.
The governor commended Justice Omoleye for conducting herself with integrity throughout her judicial career and walking the judicial path without blemish.
He expressed optimism that the retired Justice of the Court of Appeal would return to the court premises in the coming months to commission the new court complex named in her honour.
Oyebanji said the decision to name the complex after Justice Omoleye would serve as a lasting reminder of her contributions to the judiciary and the development of the state.
“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 next few months, we expect to see you here to commission the new court building that is going to be named after you. Congratulations.”
Omoleye Celebrated for Judicial Excellence
Earlier in his opening remarks, 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 the administration of justice.
He commended her professionalism, integrity and commitment to justice throughout her years on the bench.
Justice Gumel said the valedictory session provided an opportunity for members of the judiciary, legal practitioners, family members and the wider community to celebrate Justice Omoleye’s meritorious service and contributions to the judicial system.
Also speaking, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Ekiti State, Mr Dayo Apata, SAN, described Justice Omoleye as an exceptional jurist and accomplished lawyer.
Apata said Nigerians and the people of Ekiti State owed her a debt of gratitude for her contributions to the administration of justice and the development of the legal profession.
According to him, Justice Omoleye’s career demonstrated that excellence could be achieved without compromising professional standards.
He noted that her intellectual development, commitment to public service and relentless dedication to the judiciary had distinguished her career on the bench.
‘I Leave Active Service With Gratitude and No Regret’
In her response, Justice Omoleye expressed gratitude to God for guiding and sustaining her throughout her judicial career.
She said her journey had not merely been a succession of offices but a series of experiences that shaped her understanding of law, public service and humanity.
Reflecting on her years in public service, Justice Omoleye, who served as Chief Judge of Ekiti State from 2003 to 2006 before her elevation to the Court of Appeal, where she spent 20 years, said she was leaving active service with “gratitude and no regret.”
She described public office as a responsibility entrusted to an individual for a period, rather than personal property, stressing that an office was always bigger than its occupant.
Justice Omoleye expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji, former Governor Adeniyi Adebayo and others who supported her throughout her career.
She added that the governor’s presence at the valedictory session meant a lot to her.
Among dignitaries 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.
