Justice Oredola (Rtd) lauded for diligence, intellectual depth
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Eminent jurists and legal practitioners have poured encomiums on a Retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Massoud AbdulRahman Oredola, for what they described as his legendary contributions to the legal system in Nigeria and beyond.
The jurists and the senior lawyers spoke on Tuesday in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, during the presentation of a book, titled “Trends of contemporary issues in Law, Sharia and Jurisprudence for Good Governance in Nigeria”, put together by the Ilorin branch of the Nigeria Bar Association.
Those who extolled the virtues of Justice Oredola included the Presiding Kudge of the Ilorin Division of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ridwan Abdullahi, the Grand Kadi of Kwara State, Justice AbdulLateef Kamaldeen, Prof. Yusuf Ali (SAN) and Barr. Adebayo Adelodun (SAN), among others.
The Chairman of the occasion and the Presiding Judge of the Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, Justice Ridwan Maiwada Abdullahi, said Justice Oredola distinguished himself through diligence, intellectual depth, and unwaivering commitment to the rule of law.
“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 the 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.”
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.
For his part, 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 had 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.
