The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, has described the elevation of the Acting Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Gbemiga Adaramola, to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) as a reward for hard work, dedication and perseverance.
Justice Ogunmoye stated this at a reception organised in Abuja in honour of Adaramola, which was attended by members of the Bar and Bench, government officials, traditional rulers, colleagues and associates.
The Chief Judge, who said he had known Adaramola for over two decades, described him as an embodiment of diligence and commitment to duty, and urged other government lawyers to emulate his virtues.
Also speaking, Justice Bamidele Omotoso of the Ekiti State Judiciary and Justice L.B. Ojo of the State Customary Court of Appeal described Adaramola as a brilliant lawyer whose determination and hard work had contributed to his professional success.
A former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Ekiti State, Mr Obafemi Adewale (SAN), expressed delight at the elevation, recalling their working relationship over two decades ago and praying for his continued success.
Another former Attorney-General, Mr Kolapo Kolade (SAN), described the achievement as a source of joy, noting that it has increased the number of legal practitioners from Ekiti who have attained the prestigious rank.
The Olosan of Osan-Ekiti, Oba Tajudeen Bamidele, who was the royal father of the day, expressed delight that an indigene of his community attained the rank during his lifetime.
The monarch described Adaramola as a man of good character, patriotism and generosity, citing his contributions to community development even before becoming President of the Osan Progressive Forum.
Similarly, the National President of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN), Mr Ernest Edomwoyi, commended Adaramola’s dedication to the legal profession, recalling his legal and financial support to the association in a case at the National Industrial Court involving its registration under the Trade Union Congress.
In his remarks, the new Silk, Mr Gbemiga Adaramola, thanked God for his elevation, describing it as a significant milestone, particularly given his humble background.
He appreciated Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his commitment to the state’s shared prosperity agenda.
“When the Oyebanji administration began with its shared prosperity agenda, I promised myself that I would be one of the beneficiaries. Today, God has made it possible,” he said.
Adaramola also thanked Justice Ogunmoye for his fatherly and brotherly support, as well as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata, and the management and staff of the ministry.
He noted that the ministry had recorded notable professional advancements in the past four years, including the elevation of two law officers to High Court judges and the appointment of another as Permanent Secretary.
He pledged to remain committed to the development of the ministry and thanked the Olosan of Osan-Ekiti and indigenes of the community, particularly those who travelled to Abuja for the reception.
Dignitaries at the event included the Olu of Ika, Oba Fapounda Adewale; the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of Delta State, Mr Omamuzo Erebe (SAN); the Chairman of Moba Local Government, Mr Dele Fadugba; and members of the Osan-Ekiti Progressive Forum.
Earlier, at the 2026 Legal Year ceremony of the Supreme Court and the swearing-in of 68 new SANs, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, cautioned judges against fraternising with political parties when adjudicating election-related disputes ahead of the 2027 elections.
She urged the new SANs to uphold the law, exercise restraint and avoid conduct capable of creating an appearance of bias, stressing that the rank was both a professional achievement and a call to leadership.
Similarly, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), urged the new SANs to uphold integrity, discipline and professional responsibility, adding that their achievements should be measured by their contributions to the legal profession and mentorship of younger lawyers.
