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CJN, Makinde, Lawyers, Associates Pay Glowing Tributes to Late Justice Gbolagunte
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kayode Ariwoola; Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Senior Advocates of Nigeria, led by Chief Folake Solanke; lawyers; Judges of various courts; as well as associates on Monday converged on the premises of the Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan, pouring encomiums and tributes on late Justice Adegboye Ayinla Gbolagunte, who died on June 24, 2024 at 64.
Justice Gbolagunte, of the Oyo State Judiciary, is survived by his widow, Wuraola Ayoola, and three children.
The children of the late judge, who hailed from Eruwa in the Ibarapa area of Oyo State, are Oladiran, Oladoyin and Oladotun.
At the special valedictory court session presided over by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Iyabo Yerima, the CJN, who was ably represented by the presiding Judge of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, Justice Hamman Baka, extolled the virtues of the deceased, saying that he was well loved by his colleagues and associates.
He said: “How well one lives in life is what matters.
“We mourn the late Justice Gbolagunte and condole with the family left behind.
“May God repose his soul.”
Speaking through the Oyo State Attorney General and Justice Commissioner, Abiodun Aikomo, Governor Makinde described late Gbolagunte as “a man dedicated to justice in and outside the judiciary.
“His memory will continue to be an inspiration to many of us.
“It is not the length of time, but the quality of it left behind that makes a man.
“The Oyo State Ministry of Justice and indeed Oyo State in general will miss the late jurist.”
On behalf of the Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Chief Solanke, the first female SAN in Nigeria, paid glowing tributes to late Gbolagunte, describing him as a forthright judge who was thorough and dedicated to his work till he breathed his last.
Chief Solanke was represented by Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN).
The Chairmen of the Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso and Saki branches of the Nigerian Bar Association in Oyo State also gave their tributes on the well-attended solemn occasion.
Ibrahim Lawal of the Ibadan branch described Gbolagunte as “a scholar on the bench who died in active service to the state and the nation.
“He died as a jurist with character, benevolence, vision, hard work, humility, great tenacity and as a judge who accorded respect to all sundry, especially lawyers who appeared before him, while at the same time, did not take for granted the ethical principles of the legal profession to ensure its universal mobility.”
Lawal used the occasion to lament the harrowing condition in which Judges work, saying that it culminated in the ill-health of late Gbolagunte, resulting in his early death.
To him: “Oyo State Judges are being overworked and overstretched because instead of 40 that they should be, only 20 are doing the work.
“Justice Gbolagunte has gone among them, leaving the whole Judiciary to 19 Judges.
“Therefore, I call on the Oyo State government and all other authorities concerned to consider the plight of My Lords and entire lawyers by appointing more qualified Judges and Magistrates with adequate funding that creates a conducive work atmosphere and promoted speedy dispensation of justice to all manner of men, without fear or favour.”
Jide Olanipekun, Chairman of the Oyo branch, said that the late jurist was “a great person while alive and in death.
“His greatness is very visible because of his steadfastness to the course of justice in his lifetime.
“The trajectory of Justice Gbolagunte’s life showed that he was an epitome of hard work and a man that was determined to carve a niche for himself firstly, as a journalist, then a teacher, and later as a lawyer and Judge of the Oyo State High Court of Justice.”
Adesoji Oke of the Saki branch and Omotayo Olatubosun of the Ogbomoso branch equally poured accolades on the late Judge, describing him as a diligent Judge who was used to sitting at exactly 9am to attend to lawyers, contrary to the practice of some who keep lawyers sitting till 11am or thereabout before sitting, or before asking lawyers to take dates because they would no longer sit for the day.
The first son of Justice Gbolagunte, Oladiran, on behalf of the family, appreciated everybody for the honour done to their father, praying that such occurrence does not occur again in the Oyo State Judiciary.
News
Widows, Wives and More than 2,000 Residents of Ikeja Police Barracks Benefit from YP4T’s Initiative
More than 2,000 individuals from the Ikeja Police Barracks community benefited from an impactful outreach program spearheaded by Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T), an advocacy and support group working in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The initiative provided critical medical services, care packages, food supplies, and financial assistance to widows, wives, and vulnerable residents, demonstrating the heart of nation-building through community-centered support.
The program, which united healthcare professionals, community organizers, and volunteers, complemented the government’s broader efforts to bring essential services closer to the people.
Residents of the Ikeja Police Barracks received free medical consultations, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and wellness advice. Widows and families also left with care packages filled with food items, toiletries, and financial support to help alleviate the pressures of the holiday season.
Dr. Love V. Tinuoye, CEO of Medvita Consultancy and the lead doctor on-site, reflected on the impact:
“This initiative reflects a collective commitment to advancing healthcare in Nigeria. We were able to screen for and address critical health issues such as hypertension and diabetes while also providing preventive care like vaccinations and cancer screenings. This is what true community-focused care looks like.”
Beyond medical services, the outreach distributed care packages containing food staples, toiletries, and financial support, designed to alleviate the challenges faced by vulnerable members of the police barracks community.
The event highlights the ongoing efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to provide inclusive support for Nigerians across the country. Initiatives like this not only extend access to essential services but also strengthen the fabric of communities.
Mrs. Jumoke Elom, a businesswoman and beneficiary, shared her gratitude:
“I am deeply grateful for this program. The care my family received today—both medical and material—has given us hope and reminded us that we are not alone. It shows that there is real support for families like mine.”
The outreach program was also a platform for demonstrating the principles of nation-building through collaborative action. Alex Oware, Security Expert and Director of YP4T, explained the motivation behind the initiative: “The Renewed Hope Agenda is about about bringing real transformation to communities. This initiative embodies that vision by supporting over 2,000 people—not just through tangible resources, but by reaffirming their place in the collective growth of our nation. It lies at the soul of Renewed Hope: fostering resilience and creating opportunities for all Nigerians.”
The outreach program extended beyond healthcare, providing food and financial support to families within the police barracks. A touching moment involved a widow who, after receiving her care package, expressed her gratitude with tears of joy. Her story is just one of many that reflect the transformative power of collective action.
This initiative by YP4T—an advocacy and support group of Nigerian professionals from across the globe—represents a continued commitment to driving grassroots impact, inspired by President Tinubu’s vision. The success of the Ikeja outreach program demonstrates the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver meaningful change across Nigeria.
News
Matawalle Salutes Nigerian Military, Citizens at Christmas
… Calls for Love and Peaceful Coexistence
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has extended warm greetings to the Nigerian military and all citizens, both Christians and non-Christians, during this joyous Christmas season.
In his message, he emphasized the importance of embodying the spirit of love and peaceful coexistence, urging all Nigerians to reflect on these values not only during the festive period but throughout the year.
“This season serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring principles of peace, unity, love, and sacrifice that bind us as a nation,” he stated.
The Minister encouraged every Nigerian, regardless of their religious beliefs, to celebrate and honor President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who tirelessly demonstrate their patriotism in safeguarding the safety and sovereignty of our beloved country.
Highlighting the significance of the yuletide season, he noted that it should reinforce our bonds of unity, foster a spirit of camaraderie, and inspire compassion towards one another. He called on all citizens to remain steadfast in their collective efforts to build a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
In conclusion, the Minister wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Henshaw Ogubike, MNIPR, FCAI, FSCA, FCPE
Director of Information, Press and Public Relations
…Says no government has shown so much support to LGs, State Governments like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu….
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has expressed confidence that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR will significantly enhance the economies of Zamfara State and Nigeria as a whole.
Matawalle who is currently on a five-day visit to his home state, the Minister and former Governor of Zamfara commended President Tinubu for his unprecedented support for Local Government Councils and state governments. “No previous administration has demonstrated such a strong commitment to developing local councils and states as President Tinubu,” Matawalle remarked.
He highlighted the President’s role as a grassroots mobilizer, emphasizing his passion for local development. “President Tinubu has allocated substantial funds to states and local government councils, enabling them to undertake impactful development projects,” he added.
Matawalle urged party supporters to collaborate with their leaders to reclaim the lost mandate from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State. “It is essential for all APC members to remain law-abiding citizens,” he stated, reinforcing the party’s commitment to uphold the law.
Addressing a large gathering of supporters who welcomed him, Matawalle reassured them of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to combat banditry and terrorism in the region. “With the federal government’s initiatives to address security challenges, we will soon experience a renewed sense of safety and peace,” he emphasized.
He concluded his address by urging the community to continue supporting the government at all levels. “Together, we can restore peace and order in our country,” Matawalle affirmed.
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