President Tinubu mourns the death of Justice Ibitola Sotuminu, former Lagos Chief Judge, praising her contributions to judicial reforms
President Bola Tinubu has expressed his deep condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Justice Ibitola Adebisi Sotuminu, the former Chief Judge of Lagos State, who passed away at the age of 86.
Also read: President Tinubu mourns passing of Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, Galadiman Kano
The President extended his sympathies to the Body of Benchers, members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the National Council of Women’s Societies, and the International Federation of Women Lawyers, acknowledging Justice Sotuminu’s exemplary integrity, honour, and diligence.
Reflecting on their shared history during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, President Tinubu highlighted Justice Sotuminu’s pivotal role in advancing critical judicial reforms that modernized Lagos’ legal framework and bolstered public trust in the judiciary.
Justice Sotuminu’s distinguished career spanned more than four decades, beginning as a magistrate in 1969 and culminating in her appointment as Chief Magistrate of Lagos State.
She broke ground in 1984 as the first woman to hold the position of Chief Registrar of the Lagos State High Court. She further ascended to become a High Court Judge in February 1986 and served as Chief Judge from 2001 to 2004.
During her tenure as Chief Judge, Justice Sotuminu implemented transformative reforms, including the expansion and modernization of court infrastructure, the digitization of judicial processes, and initiatives aimed at expediting justice delivery—foundations that continue to solidify Lagos’ status as a legal pacesetter. This Justice Ibitola Sotuminu death is a great loss.
As the final funeral rites for the late jurist commence, President Tinubu offered prayers for the repose of her soul and divine comfort for her family.
