Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has disclosed that the new court complex under construction by the state government will be named after the first female Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Oyebisi Folayemi Omoleye, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to justice administration.
Justice Omoleye, who had a distinguished judicial career spanning several decades, served at various levels before her elevation to the Court of Appeal, where she is retiring after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Governor Oyebanji announced the honour on Tuesday during a special valedictory court session held in her honour at the High Court Complex, Ado-Ekiti. At the event, he also presented a brand new Toyota SUV to the retiring jurist, describing the gestures as tokens of appreciation for her meritorious service to the judiciary and for making the state proud throughout her career.
The Governor commended Justice Omoleye for walking the judicial path without blemish and expressed optimism that she would return in the coming months to commission the new court building named after her.
“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 path 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,” Oyebanji said.
In his remarks, the representative of the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Ali Gumel, described Justice Omoleye as a distinguished judicial officer who contributed immensely to the development of the Nigerian judiciary. He lauded her professionalism, integrity and commitment to justice throughout her years on the bench.
He noted that the valedictory session provided an opportunity for the judiciary, legal practitioners, family members and the community to celebrate her years of meritorious service.
Also speaking, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata (SAN), described Justice Omoleye as an exceptional jurist and accomplished lawyer, adding that Nigerians and Ekiti people owe her a debt of gratitude for her contributions to the administration of justice and the legal profession.
Apata said her career demonstrated that excellence could be achieved without compromising professional standards, noting that her intellectual depth, commitment to service and dedication to the judiciary distinguished her on the bench.
In her response, Justice Omoleye thanked God for guiding her throughout her judicial career, saying her journey was not merely a succession of offices but a series of experiences that shaped her understanding of law, service and humanity.
Reflecting on her years in public service, she said she served as Chief Judge of Ekiti State between 2003 and 2006 before spending 20 years at the Court of Appeal, adding that she was leaving active service “with gratitude and no regret.”
She described public office as a responsibility entrusted to an individual for a period and not personal property, stressing that the office is always larger than the occupant.
Justice Omoleye expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji, former Governor Adeniyi Adebayo and others who supported her throughout her career, saying the Governor’s presence at the valedictory session meant a lot to her.
Dignitaries at the event included 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.
