Ekiti State’s Chief Judge, Hon Justice Oyewole Adeyeye, has passed away following months of health complications stemming from a tragic building incident at the state high court complex.
Sources in Ado Ekiti confirmed his death occurred in the early hours of Tuesday.
The distinguished jurist had been battling health issues since July 12, 2023, when he sustained severe injuries after a section of the state high court complex wall collapsed on him in his office, an incident that marked the beginning of his declining health.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Ekiti State was among the first to officially acknowledge his passing. In their heartfelt statement, they expressed:
“With deep sorrow in our hearts and in total submission to the will of God, FIDA Ekiti consoles with the family of the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon Justice Oyewole Adeyeye on his call to glory. May He find rest with his maker. I pray that God grants the family, the Judiciary and the people of Ekiti State, the grace to bear this irreparable loss. Adieu, great one.”
Justice Adeyeye’s life was marked by dedicated service to the legal profession. Born in 1960 in Araromi Ugbesi, Ekiti East Local Government Area, he was called to the Nigerian bar in 1986, embarking on a distinguished legal career that would span decades.
His professional journey began as a state counsel in the Civil Service of the former Ondo State, and he later transitioned to the Ekiti State Judiciary Service Commission following Ekiti’s creation in 1996.
His judicial career reached a significant milestone in 2002 when he was elevated to the position of judge in the Ekiti State High Court.
Throughout his career, he served on various election petition tribunals, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s electoral justice system.
FIDA Ekiti Chairperson Oyinade Olatunbosun confirmed the passing while indicating that an official statement regarding the Chief Judge’s death would be forthcoming.
The loss of Justice Adeyeye represents a significant void in Ekiti State’s judiciary, where his leadership and legal expertise were highly valued.
