A former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly and immediate past Chairman of the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (OyoRUWASSA), Hon. Najeem Omirinde, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Hon. Justice Stephen Olaoye Popoola, describing his death as a monumental loss to the judiciary, the people of Saki, Oyo State, and Nigeria at large.
In a condolence message made available to journalists on Tuesday, Hon. Omirinde extolled the late Justice Popoola as a principled, courageous, and intellectually sound jurist who served the nation with distinction and integrity.
“The news of the passing of Hon. Justice Stephen Olaoye Popoola came as a rude shock. He was a beacon of justice and a symbol of fairness whose judgments reflected not only deep legal wisdom but also a strong moral compass.
His contributions to the legal system, particularly in Oyo State, will remain indelible in our hearts and in the annals of our judicial history,” Omirinde stated.
The former lawmaker recalled Justice Popoola’s towering influence and long years of service, noting that the late jurist mentored many and upheld the sanctity of the bench with uncommon grace.
Hon. Omirinde commiserated with the family of the deceased, the Oyo State Judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association, and all who were touched by his life and career.
“I pray that Almighty God grants the soul of our departed father and legal luminary eternal rest, and gives his family the fortitude to bear this painful loss,” he added.
Justice Stephen Olaoye Popoola was widely respected for his jurisprudential depth, humility, and commitment to upholding the rule of law. His death has drawn tributes from across the legal and political communities in Oyo State and beyond.
