Upon receiving the sorrowful news of the passing of my esteemed Lord, the Honorable Justice Theresa Ngolika Orji-Abadua, my heart is overcome with profound sadness, and my thoughts are flooded with memories of a truly noble, exquisite, and exceptional jurist.
Those fortunate enough to have graced her presence knew that Justice Orji-Abadua possessed a keen intellect, accompanied by a remarkable wit and sense of humor. Her courtroom was a stage where justice unfurled, guided by her unwavering belief in the strict adherence to the law and its principles. It was a privilege and a joy for me to always stand before her, for she commanded respect and nurtured an atmosphere of equity and impartiality.
I vividly recall my last appearance before her at the Ekiti judicial division of the Court of Appeal. It was a criminal case, wherein I fought for the life of a young man, Bamiteko Adeolu, whose existence hung in the balance when he was sentenced to death by hanging by the Ekiti State High Court of Justice. The magnitude of the matter seemed insurmountable, and during the preliminary stage of the appeal, due to some minor technicalities which my Lord, Honourable Justice Orji-Abadua as the Presiding Judge emphasized, I nearly succumbed to frustration and contemplated abandoning the case. However, Justice Orji-Abadua, unwavering in her pursuit of justice, insisted that the right course of action be taken. With her wisdom and discernment, she upheld the appeal, sparing the young man from a death sentence. To this day, Adeolu Bamiteko lives, a testament to her unwavering dedication to justice.
Justice Orji-Abadua’s legacy extends far beyond the confines of the courtroom. She leaves behind a profound impact on the legal profession, inspiring generations of aspiring jurists to walk in her footsteps. Her devotion to the law, her unwavering pursuit of justice, and her resolute commitment to upholding the rights of the oppressed serve as a guiding light for us all. She was also a paragon of fashion, never settling for anything less than the epitome of a jurist.
Today, I offer my heartfelt homage and bid farewell to this noble soul, as I implore my esteemed lords and colleagues to carry forth her torch of justice. May her legacy serve as a constant reminder of the power of integrity, compassion, and resilience in the face of adversity. May her memory inspire us to strive for a world where justice prevails, and may her noble spirit find eternal peace.
Rest in peace, The Honourable Justice Theresa Ngolika Orji-Abadua. You shall forever be remembered as a true champion of the law, a beacon of justice, and an embodiment of grace.
Farewell, my noble Lord.
Dr Olukayode Ajulo, OON, SAN, FCIArb. UK
The Honourable Attorney General & Commissioner of Justice, Ondo State.
