Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has mourned the death of eminent jurist and former Chairman of the Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.
Fayemi in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, described Oputa as a forthright man who pursued the cause he believed in to logical conclusion.
He described the late Supreme Court justice as an incorruptible judge who dispensed justice without fear or favour, adding that Oputa’s death marked the end of an era of the legends of law and jurisprudence in Nigeria.
The governor explained that several landmark cases handled by the late Justice Oputa had immortalized him and secured an enviable place for him in the annals of the nation’s judiciary.
He said Oputa never desecrated the hallowed chambers of the judiciary and left a good name in the law profession. The governor added that Justice Oputa was a man who was not afraid of saying his mind not minding whose ox is gored.
Fayemi who served as Technical Adviser to the Human Rights Violation Commission popularly known as the Oputa Panel, said the late judge discharged his assignment with passion and uncommon gusto and was a source of inspiration to many.
According to him, Justice Oputa mentored many lawyers and judges who also made their mark in the legal profession.
He urged the family of the deceased to be consoled by the fact that the late jurist lived to the ripe old age and had a positive impact on his generation.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the members of the immediate and extended families of the late Justice Oputa, and pray that God grant him eternal rest.”, the statement added.
Last modified: May 5, 2014