Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has described the retired Appeal Court Justice Jimi Olukayode Bada as a pride to the state and an exemplary gift to the legal profession and Nigeria.
He showered accolades at the valedictory of one of the nation’s best legal minds as he pulled out meritoriously from the Lagos Division of Appeal Court after attaining the mandatory retirement age at the Bench.
In his address at the occasion, he described the jurist as an embodiment of dignity and sincerity.
Adeleke, who was represented by the Chairman of the Special Advisers Forum in Osun State, Dr. Adekunle Akindele, said, “It is my honour and privilege to address this distinguished valedictory session in honour of one of the finest legal minds in Nigeria, Justice Jimi Olukayode Bada.
“I have been a long-time observer of the Nigerian judiciary, and I can confess that Justice Bada is an embodiment of dignity, sincerity, erudition and sanctity of judicial purism.
“In his long years within the bar and the bench, he stood out as one of the last set of towering traditional figures within the profession.
“His fearlessness and consistency in the judicial process endear him to many who crave for a judiciary that moderates and stabilizes the democratic process.
“Justice Bada’s capacity to balance all trends and tendencies in the administration of Justice is a super quality that marks him out as a judicial leader of conscience.
“Our father is a towering judicial figure who has done so much for the nation’s judiciary without gloating over it.
“Within a low profile mantra, he influenced the achievement of normalcy in an increasingly unstable society.
“His words of wisdom extend beyond legal realms to philosophical counselling for the upcoming generation. He exemplifies humility in strength and intellectual capacity.”
Adeleke said, “Justice Bada is not just the father of my Attorney General, Hon. Wole Jimi Bada; he is the godfather and mentor to countless legal operatives, who are doing wonderfully well in their various sectors.”
His words, “On this glorious occasion, we associate with your incredible accomplishments within and outside the judiciary.
“We praise your huge contribution to the development of the legal profession. You remain an iconic figure much cherished within and outside the profession.
“On behalf of the government and people of Osun state, we congratulate you on your successful service to the fatherland.
“Your name is already written in judicial gold as your days in service spanning so many decades are golden and spectacular”.
