The Saki West Local Government Chairman, Engr. Sarafadeen Omirinde, has described the newly retired Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Muntar Abimbola, as a blessing to the Nigerian legal system and a voice of the voiceless in the judiciary sector.
In a statement issued by the Head of Information Unit, Saki West Local Government, Alh. Dauda Aderogba on behalf of the Chairman on the retirement of Hon. Justice Muntar Abimbola, he described the jurist as the hope of the masses in the sector who uses his influence while in active service to promote democracy, uphold the rule of law, and advocate for public goods.
Omirinde who was represented at a well attended retirement programmme which has the Executive of Oyo, Engr. Seyi Makinde, his Deputy Barrister Bayo Lawal, the Judge of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola and host of other important dignitaries, held at State High Court, Ring road, Ibadan by Alhaji KK Kazeem, Head of Local Government Administration of the LG said “We thank God for the life of our elder statesman, Hon. Justice Muntar Abimbola, who retired today on a good note and in exemplary form in the Nigerian legal system.”
“It is indeed a career nurtured with public goods, upholding the rule of law, promoting a just society, and uplifting the less privileged in the society through the office he found himself “
“Hon. Justice Abimbola is a symbol of freedom not only in Oyo State but in Nigeria at large and a model for aspiring legal practitioners who used his office to promote democracy and strengthen development through legal courses,” said Omirinde.
He furthered noted some of the historic moments of the Justice while serving as Chief custodian of the law in Oyo State.
“In his uniqueness at service, he was the longest serving Chief Judge of the state, the first Oyo Chief judge to swear in two different governors, the first and only Chief Judge from the southwest to serve two terms in the Nigerian Judicial Council so far, the first Oyo CJ to become a life bencher in office, and the most decorated Chief Judge in Oyo state. This uniqueness has set the record straight that his service to the legal community is second to none.”
Omirinde gave kudos to Abimbola for using the office to help commoners in terms of appointments and facilitation of necessary projects for grassroots development and bringing legal presence to localities.
He therefore wishes the retired Justice a happy retirement from the service of Oyo State and urged the Nigerian Judicial Council to incorporate him into the National legal system to display his God-given asset.
