The Oyo State Judiciary today held a solemn valedictory court session in honor of the late Hon. Justice Nurudeen Olalekan (1935-2025), retired Chief Judge of the state. The special session, presided over by the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice I.S. Yerima, brought together members of the bench and bar, legal luminaries, and government officials to pay tribute to the revered jurist.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, described the late Justice Olalekan as a role model and a strict adherent to time and professional ethics. Reflecting on his personal and professional relationship with the late jurist, Lawal recalled his time as Attorney General while Justice Olalekan was Chief Judge of the State.
“I had the privilege of serving as Attorney General while Baba was the Chief Judge. Beyond our official engagements, I also had a personal relationship with him. I knew his late younger brother and took advantage of that bond. However, he upheld professional ethics with steadfast dedication. On one occasion, I visited his chambers unannounced after a court sitting, but he declined to see me. Later, when his registrar summoned me, he explained that professional conduct forbids a lawyer from visiting a judge before whom they have a pending case. That was a lesson in integrity,” Lawal recounted.
He further praised Justice Olalekan’s strict discipline with time. “He was a timekeeper to the core. He would arrive at events 10 minutes early and leave 10 minutes after if the program had not commenced. He was a man of very few words, even in court. If a lawyer was rambling, he would simply say, ‘Go straight to the point.’ He was a role model to us all.”
Earlier, the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima, eulogized the late Justice Olalekan, emphasizing his immense contributions to the judiciary and the vacuum his passing leaves behind.
Prominent legal practitioners also paid their respects, including Chief Akintola (SAN), who spoke on behalf of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, praising Justice Olalekan’s legacy of fairness and dedication to justice. The Attorney General of Oyo State, as well as the Chairmen of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) from Ibadan, Ogbomoso, and Oyo, also delivered heartfelt tributes, recognizing his significant impact on the legal profession.
The valedictory session served as a befitting tribute to Hon. Justice Nurudeen Olalekan, a distinguished jurist whose commitment to justice, discipline, and ethical standards will continue to inspire future generations in the legal profession.
