VALEDICTORY SPEECH DELIVERED BY ABIMBOLA OJEDOKUN, CHAIRMAN NBA IKORODU BRANCH ON TUESDAY 10TH MAY, 2022 IN HONOUR OF LATE HONOURABLE JUSTICE AFOLABI FATAI ADEYINKA.

 

Protocols 

Members of the NBA Ikorodu Branch are honoured by the invitation extended to the branch Chairman to deliver a valedictory speech in honour of one of our own, a distinguished and illustrious son of the Ikorodu Kingdom who has been called home for eternal rest by his Maker after he had completed his assignment in this life. 

A lot has been said by the previous speakers about the birth, education, and successful and excellent judicial career of Late Hon. Justice A.F. Adeyinka which I do not want to repeat in order not to bore us. 

I only want to dwell on some qualities of our departed Jurist that has to do with the need for a cordial relationship between the Bar and the Bench. Late Hon. Justice A.F. Adeyinka during his lifetime on the bench exemplified a perfect example of what the relationship between the Bar and the Bench should be. His Lordship was firm but polite, penetrating but courteous, fair and unfailingly respectful of counsel and the parties who appeared before him. His Lordship was an epitome of humility and simplicity, a highly principled and courageous jurist who was incorruptible. During my Lord's years on the bench, both the young and the old lawyers were happy and always look forward to appearing in his court. His Lordship used to carefully choose his words in dealing with lawyers and never used any degrading words and never raised his voice on any lawyer. Because of those fine qualities of his Lordship, lawyers readily reciprocated by giving maximum cooperation to the court and thereby brought about the speedy dispensation of justice. 

It did not, therefore, come as a surprise when his Lordship became the 11th Chief Judge of Lagos State before he retired in July 2004. His Lordship's tenure as the Chief Judge was remarkable. Because of his Lordship's passion for justice, his Lordship ensured that the first revolutionary High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules were made. 

His Lordship's fine attributes did not go unnoticed by the executive arm of Government, hence his Lordship was appointed Chairman of Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission in 2006 after his retirement and his Lordship brought his principled, courageous and incorruptible nature to bear by delivering free, fair and credible elections to Lagosians throughout his tenure. 

His Lordship as a community-oriented person contributed immensely to the growth and development of Ikorodu Kingdom and his various contributions were highly appreciated with conferment with chieftaincy titles, honours, and various awards. His Lordship was also a strong supporter of the NBA Ikorodu Branch. 

Hon. Justice A.F. Adeyinka left enduring legacies and footprints on the sands of time. His memory will ever remain evergreen in our hearts. 

The entire members of the NBA Ikorodu Branch offer our heartfelt condolences to the immediate and extended family of our departed jurist, my Lord the Hon. Chief Judge of Lagos State, the entire members of Lagos state Judiciary, members of the bar, and the good people of Ikorodu. 

May Almighty Allah accept the return of Late Hon. Justice A.F. Adeyinka, forgive his shortcomings and grant him the best of Aljana (Aljanat fridaus). Amen. 

Thank you all.