A former Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ibitola Adebisi Sotuminu, has passed away at the age of 86.
Her death has been met with an outpouring of tributes, including a heartfelt condolence message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who expressed his deep sorrow over the loss. In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended sympathies to the deceased's family, friends, colleagues, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Body of Benchers, the National Council of Women’s Societies, and the International Federation of Women Lawyers.
Describing the late jurist as a woman of integrity, honor, and diligence, President Tinubu recalled their time working together during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State. He praised her for her contributions to judicial reforms in the state.
Justice Sotuminu’s distinguished legal career spanned over four decades. She began as a magistrate in 1969, rose to become the Chief Magistrate of Lagos State, and in 1984 made history as the first woman appointed Chief Registrar of the Lagos State High Court. She was appointed a High Court Judge in February 1986 and later became the Chief Judge of Lagos State from 2001 to 2004.
During her tenure as Chief Judge, she was known for introducing several reforms aimed at modernizing the Lagos judiciary. These included the expansion and renovation of court infrastructure, the digitization of judicial processes, and measures to accelerate justice delivery, all of which helped establish Lagos as a model for legal administration in Nigeria.
As her burial rites commenced on Wednesday, President Tinubu offered prayers for the peaceful repose of her soul, and comfort for her grieving loved ones.
