Justice Aderemi was a very gentle man both on bar and bench— Makinde

…as deputy represents at 5th annual lecture series

The governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has described the late Justice Pius Aderemi as a very gentle man both on the bar and the bench who had made tremendous impact not only in the judiciary but in the society at large.

At the 5th Annual Hon. Justice Pious Olayiwola Aderemi annual lecture series on July 7, 2023, held at Iyaganku in Ibadan, the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Barrister Abdul-raheem Adebayo Lawal, stated that Justice Aderemi life style is simple and was someone not bothered by materialistic things.

Alhaji Abdul Raheem noted that the late jurist was someone he had developed a relationship with for about 25years and that he was a very humble judge who was a profound judicial officer and judge who rose from the bench of the Oyo State High Court to the Court of Appeal and to the Supreme Court.

He said Late Justice Aderemi was a very simple man who had a deep knowledge and character, and had been living a very simple life even with his house in Akobo, Ibadan.

“When Hon. Aderemi became the court of appeal justice during the banking crisis, he was the only member of the panel to deliver a profound judgement, and judges continue to refer to the judgement as being very sound today”, he added.

Lawal emphasised that Aderemi would not permit anything to tarnish his reputation or integrity, even to the extent of declining to meet with him during an election tribunal petition when he visited him in Abuja because he was a member of the election issue panel.

According to him, Aderemi avoided meeting with him or anyone close to him because he doesn’t want anyone to influence him on the election issue, describing him as an upright person and whose concept of writing is so simple and understanding without complexity.

The deputy governor, who said the topic of the 5th series “Good Governance, Leadership, & Accountability, are so germane and apposite in today’s Nigeria, stressed that governance is not profound in Nigeria today arising from leadership challenges.

He said: “Good governance, Leadership and Accountability,” these three words, are so germane in our lifestyle. You will bear witness with me that governance is not all that profound in Nigeria today arising from not too good leadership, and you know that we are lacking as a nation, as an individual in accountability.

“This topic is very apposite and I think we can draw a big lesson from it as we progress. I just came back from Saudi Arabia and all along I thought the least part of the world is backward in all respect, but I was so totally taken aback and I was so surprised that even in that part of the world has progressed, developed to an extent that I stayed two weeks and the light over there didn’t even blink, and if Nigeria is going to be good, in terms of governance, I think judiciary must be at the front burner of governance in Nigeria.

“Judiciary must lead, not necessarily the executive. Judiciary is the silent lion, because when they spring up, they can devour the president, governor, minister, anybody. So,Judiciary must be up and doing in terms of their calling promptly without wasting time and it’s from here that we can draw accountability”.

Lawal said everyone must be accountable and not necessarily politicians, but people in government, civil Servants, judges as well as others need to take accountability very serious to improve the state of the country.

“This is a fifth lecture in the series. And i’am happy that a foundation has been launched in his honor. So, the take home for me is to tell His Excellency, Seyi Makinde about the foundation. And I I believe he will do the needful”, he added.

Earlier in his welcome address, one of the organizers of the lecture, Kunle Aderemi, while speaking on the 5th law series, disclosed that the family of the late jurist will be launching the Justice Pius 𝕆𝕃𝔸𝕐𝕀𝕎𝕆𝕃𝔸 Aderemi Foundation.

He said: “As we reflect on the past five years since the passing of our beloved Justice P.O Aderemi, we are reminded of his unwavering commitment to Justice, equity and the betterment of our society. Justice Aderemi was not just a distinguished jurist; he was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the pursuit of a fair and inclusive society. He believed in the power of education, the rule of law, and the potential of every individual to make a positive difference.

“Today, as we launch the Justice Pius 𝕆𝕃𝔸𝕐𝕀𝕎𝕆𝕃𝔸 Aderemi Foundation, we aim to carry forward the spirit and values that defined Justice Aderemi in his lifetime. The foundation will serve as a platform to honor his memory, promotes his ideas, and promote what was dear to him”.

Aderemi added that his father understood the importance of community development and the need for sustainable progress, stressing that the foundation will work closely with local organizations, NGOs, and government agencies to implement community-driven projects that address critical legal issues.

Those present at the event include the governor of Ondo state, Hon. Rotimi Akeredolu ably represented by the acting governor; Chief Judge Oyo state, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima; Chairman NBA Ibadan, Mrs Folashade Aladeniyi; Chairman NBA Lagos, Mr Bimbo Ilori and host of others.