Justice Adegbenro Tribute highlights Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Ondo legal community honouring the late jurist’s legacy of integrity and justice

Ondo State Governor Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, OON, SAN, members of the Nigerian Bar and the wider legal community have paid glowing tributes to the late Honourable Justice Ajibade Isaiah Adegbenro, describing the former High Court judge as one of Ondo State’s most distinguished jurists and a lasting symbol of integrity, courage and justice.

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The tributes were delivered during a Special Court Session convened in honour of the late judge, whose legal career spanned public prosecution, public service and the Bench, leaving a profound impact on the administration of justice in Ondo State and across Nigeria.

Conveying the condolences of Governor Aiyedatiwa, the Ondo State Government and the Ministry of Justice, Dr. Ajulo described Justice Adegbenro as a jurist whose life embodied honour, humility, diligence and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.

“Justice Adegbenro’s life remains an enduring testament to honour, industry, humility and fidelity to the rule of law. While death may silence a great judge, the echoes of his integrity will continue to resonate through the institutions he strengthened and the countless lives he inspired,” Dr. Ajulo said.

The Attorney General reflected on Justice Adegbenro’s career before his appointment to the High Court Bench in 2002, recalling his outstanding service as Director of Public Prosecutions, where he earned respect for prosecuting cases with diligence, courage and exceptional legal insight.

His subsequent elevation to Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Ministry of Justice, Dr. Ajulo noted, reflected widespread confidence in his legal expertise, administrative ability and unquestionable character.

Beyond his public service, Justice Adegbenro was remembered as an exceptional mentor who helped shape the careers of many young lawyers within the Ministry of Justice. Dr. Ajulo recounted a memorable act of generosity in which the late jurist gave up nearly half of his Duty Tour Allowance to enable four junior lawyers to attend the Nigerian Bar Association Annual Conference after they had been excluded from the trip.

That remarkable gesture later proved transformative, as the four beneficiaries went on to become two Solicitors-General and Permanent Secretaries and two High Court judges, illustrating the enduring impact of his investment in the next generation of legal professionals.

Justice Adegbenro was also recognised as one of the early advocates for the welfare of government lawyers.

Working alongside the late Mr. Dare Bodunde, he helped champion reforms that evolved into the Law Officers Association of Nigeria, laying the foundation for welfare initiatives that continue to benefit law officers nationwide.

On the Bench, colleagues and members of the Bar remembered Justice Adegbenro for his fairness, patience and intellectual depth.

His courtroom earned a reputation for impartiality, civility and respect for legal advocacy, with litigants and counsel assured of justice without fear or favour.

Dr. Ajulo said the late judge consistently demonstrated that legal procedure should remain a tool for achieving substantive justice rather than an obstacle to it.

In an emotional tribute, the Attorney General also recognised Justice Adegbenro’s eldest daughter, Mrs. Adejoke Adeojo, describing her professionalism, humility and dignity as evidence that the late jurist’s greatest legacy extended beyond his judicial decisions to the values he instilled in his family and those he mentored.

“The greatest judgments of Honourable Justice Adegbenro are not confined to law reports. They are equally written upon the character of those he nurtured, mentored and inspired,” Dr. Ajulo added.

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The tribute reflects the deep respect the late jurist commanded throughout Nigeria’s legal community. His career, marked by principled public service, judicial independence and mentorship, continues to serve as a benchmark for legal excellence in Ondo State and beyond.