On Thursday, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) paid tribute to the late Justice Theresa Ngolika Orji-Abadua.
Until her death on March 8, 2024, Justice Orji-Abadua was the presiding justice of the Benin Division of the Court.
In her speech at a valedictory court session in Abuja on Thursday, the President of the Court of Appeal said the late Justice Theresa Ngolika Orji-Abadua was a jurist of impeccable character who had a very simple and humble nature.
She said that even though Justice Orji-Abadua is dead, her contributions to the development of the law will remain and continue to help the jurisprudence grow.
The Appeal Court President said the late Justice, who was born on October 15, 1959, was very hardworking and active in private legal practice.
The late Justice Orji-Abadua was appointed a judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in January 1997, where she served diligently until her elevation to the bench of the Court of Appeal on February 15, 2008.
In his speech, the AGF and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the late Justice was a legal luminary whose wisdom, integrity, and dedication to justice have left an indelible mark on the national jurisprudence.
According to Fagbemi, the late Justice Orji-Abadua commenced her professional legal practice as a private legal practitioner who navigated the intricate landscape of the Magistrate Court and High Courts with amiable determination and forthrightness.
“In the early days of her practice, she demonstrated profound dedication to her clients, tirelessly advocating for their rights and interests before the courts,” Fagbemi stated.
He said the late Justice earned herself a reputation for her sharp legal acumen and unwavering commitment to justice, as well as her ability to navigate the complexities of the legal system with precision and integrity.
The AGF said the late Jurist, throughout her professional journey, did not only achieve brilliant success but also served as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring legal professionals in her exceptional demonstration of the importance of integrity, diligence, and unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice.
Speaking on behalf of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), Paul Usoro (SAN) urged members of the Bench to emulate the combination of hard work, focus, integrity, and diligence exhibited by the late Justice Orji-Abadua while she was alive.
Usoro said that the late Justice has been immortalised for all times in the judgements that she delivered, which are recorded in various law reports, adding that “My Lord’s erudition and focus on nation-building shone through those judgements.”
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