From Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has said the legacy of fairness, integrity and forthrightness that the late Justice Isiaka Oluwa was known for in his administration of justice would live for ages to come.
Buhari, in his message of condolence to the people and government of Lagos State, the Oluwa family and lawyers on Sunday, urged the Lagos State government, especially the Ministry of Justice, to institutionalise Justice Oluwa’s legacies and works.
The President’s message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, reads: “President Muhammadu Buhari commiserates with government and people of Lagos State over the passing of Justice Isiaka Isola Oluwa, 102, whose legacy of fairness, integrity and forthrightness in administering justice continues to reverberate long after retirement.
“President Buhari sends condolences to family of the late Justice of the State High Court, his friends and professional colleagues, affirming that his meritorious public service was most remarkable, especially contributions to the growth of education as Pro-Chancellor of Lagos State University and Chairman of Governing Council.
“The President believes Justice Oluwa’s personal attributes of simple, disciplined and incorruptible lifestyle left an indelible mark on the Lagos State Judiciary, and enabled his subsequent appointments to sensitive positions, urging the Lagos State Government, particularly the Ministry of Justice to institutionalize the good works of the legal luminary.
“President Buhari prays that the almighty God will receive the soul of the centenarian, and comfort his family.”
Also yesterday, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed his heartfelt condolence to the family of the late Justice, describing the illustrious son of the as godly, disciplined, courageous and loyal in his stewardship to the judiciary.
Sanwo-Olu said the contributions of the late Justice, prior to his retirement from the Bench in 1983, will always be recognised and acknowledged by members of the judiciary, especially the State High Court, which he served for many meritorious years.
“Justice Oluwa, as an illustrious son of Lagos State, has indeed etched his name in the annals of our State, not only as the oldest Retired Justice but more importantly as a renowned member of the team that blazed the Judicial path of excellence that our Judiciary has been known for”, the governor said in a condolence message.
