Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, says the new court complex being constructed by the state government will be named after Justice Oyebisi Folayemi Omoleye, the state’s first female Chief Judge.
The governor made the announcement during a valedictory court session held in honour of Justice Omoleye at the High Court complex in Ado-Ekiti. He said the decision was in recognition of her contribution to the administration of justice and her years of dedicated service to Ekiti State and Nigeria.
Governor Oyebanji also presented a new Toyota SUV to the retiring jurist, describing it as a token of appreciation for her service and for making the state proud. He commended Justice Omoleye for what he described as an unblemished judicial career and expressed hope that she would return to commission the new court complex named after her.
Justice Omoleye served as Chief Judge of Ekiti State from 2003 to 2006 before her elevation to the Court of Appeal, where she spent about 20 years. She is retiring from the bench after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70.
The representative of the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ali Gumel, described Justice Omoleye as a distinguished judicial officer who contributed significantly to the development of Nigeria’s judiciary. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata, SAN, also praised her professionalism, integrity and commitment to justice.
In her response, Justice Omoleye expressed gratitude to God for sustaining her throughout her career, saying she was leaving active service with “gratitude and no regret”. She said public office was a responsibility entrusted to individuals for a period, stressing that an office was always bigger than its occupant.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Olayemi Adelami, Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, former NBA President Wole Olanipekun, SAN, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, and other legal practitioners and dignitaries.
