CJN swears in Saki-born lawyer, Onijo, Makinde’s brother, as Notary Public in Nigeria

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has sworn in Barrister Lateef Sarafadeen Abiola, also known as Onijo, as a Notary Public in Nigeria. 

Onijo, a Saki-born lawyer and Governing Council Chairman of The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic Saki, received his appointment during a ceremony at the Oyo High Court in Ibadan on Monday. 

Represented by Oyo Chief Judge, Hon. Justice S.I Yerima, the CJN highlighted the significance of Notaries Public in Nigeria, noting that they are officers of the Supreme Court.

Justice Yerima explained that the Notaries Public Act 2023 empowers Notaries Public to perform functions such as document authentication and administration of oaths and affirmations.

She congratulated Onijo and others on their appointment, saying that being a Notary Public would add more value to their work and boost their careers as well as open the door for global practice.

Other notable lawyers appointed as Notaries Public include Barrister Muyiwa Makinde, the elder brother of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

Onijo, while addressing newsmen, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for making it easy, as well as to the CJN for finding him worthy of appointment as a Notary Public, saying he would do his best to deliver on his duties for the good of society.

The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including former Deputy Governor Engineer Hamid Gbadamosi; Former minority leader of HAO, Alh Rafiu Adekunle; Alhaji LATEEF koomi; Commissioner for trade, Hon Niyi Adebisi; Former chairman Saki West local govt, Alh Mudasiru Eruobodo, Barr. H.A Ajibade, family member and friends and host of others. 

In Nigeria, Notaries Public are appointed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria. When a Notary Public is appointed, he is deemed to be an officer of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and has the power to attest to the authenticity of a document and such document will be recognized internationally for any purpose it is meant for.

A notary public must be a legal practitioner (lawyer) and has been called to the Nigerian Bar for at least seven years before being appointed.