Eminent jurists and legal practitioners have paid glowing tributes to retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Massoud AbdulRahman Oredola, describing him as one with outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s legal system and beyond.
The commendations were made during the public presentation of a book titled “Trends of Contemporary Issues in Law, Sharia and Jurisprudence for Good Governance in Nigeria,” organised by the Ilorin branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Speaking at the event, the Presiding Judge of the Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, Justice Ridwan Maiwada Abdullahi, said “Justice Oredola distinguished himself through diligence, intellectual depth, and unwavering commitment to the rule if law.”
He described the event as a celebration of a life dedicated to justice, scholarship, integrity and humanity, noting that Oredola’s judgements continue to guide legal practitioners, academics and students of law across the country.
He said; “Today’s gathering is not merely the unveiling of a book. It is a celebration of an extraordinary life dedicated to the service of justice, scholarship, integrity, and humanity. It is a fitting tribute to a jurist whose contributions have left indelible footprints on the legal landscape of Nigeria and beyond – Hon. Justice Massoud AbdulRahman Oredola, JCA (retd), now a member of National Judicial Council (NJC).
“His Lordship served meritoriously on the bench of Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal for over a decade. Upon his elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2008 , Justice Oredola continued to distinguish himself as a jurist of exceptional learning and impeccable character. Until his retirement in 2019, he delivered judgements that reflected profound scholarship, meticulous analysis, and a steadfast commitment to justice . His decisions continue to guide legal practitioners, academics, judges, and students of law across Nigeria.”
Other speakers, including the Grand Kadi of Kwara State, Justice AbdulLateef Kamaldeen, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Prof. Yusuf Ali and Barr. Adebayo Adelodun, as well as the NBA Ilorin branch chairman, Barr. SMH Kosemani, also extolled the virtues of the retired jurist.
The chairman, NBA Ilorin Book Presentation Planning Committee, Abdulfatai Bello said the book was published in honour of Justice Oredola because of his exemplary judicial career, marked with integrity and unwaivering commitment to justice.
The chairman, NBA, Ilorin branch, Barr. SMH Kosemani said the choice of Oredola as honoree of this publication was informed by his exceptional record of service, his modesty and humility despite his towering achievements.
The Grand Kadi of Kwara State, Justice AbdulLateef Kamaldeen said the event was a celebration of a judicial titan, a consummate jurist, and an exemplary fine mind who has dedicated decades of his life to the pristine administration of justice in Nigeria.
In his goodwill message, Barr. Adebayo Adelodun(SAN) said, “For a one time chairman of of the Bar in Kaduna, whose later judgements has helped in no small measure to advance the frontiers of learning and legal education, the NBA Ilorin branch is by this recognition giving honour to whom honour is due.”
Prof Yusuf Ali who coordinated the unveiling of the book described Oredola as a jurist of repute who never compromised ethics and standard.
In his response, Justice Oredola thanked God for making the event a reality and appreciated the Ilorin branch of the NBA for the honour done him.
“In life, whatever you do, just put in your best and leave the rest in the hands of God. We thank Almighty Allah for bringing us to the position on earth where recognition is accorded us not posthumously but while we are still alive,” he added.
