IN PICTURES: Funeral ceremony of Justice Afolabi Adeniran, ex-CJ Oyo state

IN PICTURES: Funeral ceremony of Justice Afolabi Adeniran, ex-CJ Oyo state

Abdulrazak BELLO

The remains of Rt. Hon Justice Afolabi Adeniran (rtd) on Saturday, September 27, 2025, was finally committed to mother earth at his Ogbomoso residence near Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) College of Health Sciences, POAT area. A glorious funeral service was held earlier at his family church, Masifa Baptist Church, Ogbomoso. On Friday, Christian wake was held in his honour at the same venue, while a public lecture was held on Thursday at LAUTECH. A valedictory court session was held to celebrate his extraordinary contribution to the judiciary a week earlier at Ibadan. The funeral ceremony was rounded off with a reception party at an event centre in Orogun area, Ogbomoso. Thus, curtains were drawn on the earthly sojourn of a man who made huge impact while alive. Certainly, his legacy will remain indelible, lingering in memory for a long time. Aside being a lawyer and judge of repute, he served his community Ogbomoso with a committed heart devoting his last years as President of the apex socio-cultural organisation in the city – Egbe Omo Ogbomoso Parapo Agbaaye (Ogbomoso Parapo Worldwide), where he distinguished himself exceedingly.

Many have described him as a worthy personality, who encompassed humility, quietness, accommodating nature, love and generosity.

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Rev’d Dr I.A. Adetola in his exhortation during the service rode on the wave of his death to call men to Christ. “As l conclude, l urge you to struggle to make heaven. Titus 2: 11-14 admonishes us to repent. Follow God, be godly in your lifestyle. If you don’t belong to Him you cannot enter His Kingdom. He is the gatekeeper, and He won’t allow you to enter if you didn’t follow Him, He is the Great Shepherd.”

Rev’d Adetola emphasized death is a leveler charging everyone to strive to make heaven. He added, “The market that is this world will scatter one day, it had scattered for Justice Afolabi Adeniran, it will be so for you too, soon.”

Comrade T. M.. Balogun national PRO of the association also speaking with ogbomosoinsightonline.com submitted in a chat that Justice Adeniran was a”Leader of leaders who gave his all to the cause of Ogbomosoland.”

An abridged life history of Justice Afolabi Adeniran (Source – his funeral programme brochure)

Hon. Justice Afolabi Aremu Adeniran was born in llorin on August 14, 1942, to Pa Joseph Alade Adeniran and Mama Albinuomo Maria Adika Adeniran. He began his primary education at Baptist Day School, Ilorin (1944-1950) and proceeded in Ogbomosho Grammar School (1956-1961). After completing his secondary education, he was awarded a scholarship to study Law at the University of London.

He was called to the Bar at the Honorable Society of Lincoln’s Inn in London on 18 July 1967. Two years later, on the 1 of October 1969, he returned to Nigeria and enrolled in the Nigerian Law School (1969/70 Session), and was called to the Nigerian Bar on 26 June 1970.

In 1957, he served on the Board of Directors of Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL). He was appointed as a delegate to Atlanta, USA, where he led the initiative that introduced telecommunications digitization into Nigeria in the early 1990s.

Justice Adeninan practiced law actively and consistently for over two decades before being appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Oyo State on 2 November 1992.. He rose through the ranks to become the Acting Chief Judge, and later, the Chief Judge of Oyo State, retiring voluntarily on 14 August 2007, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age. His judicial career was marked by diligence, fairness, and a deep commitment to the rule of law. He was highly respected for his clear reasoning, compassionate interpretation of justice, and integrity on the Bench.

Following his retirement, he turned his attention to family and community. He sought out and united his extended family from Maya Ayetoro, offering support, education, and guidance with a selfless heart. He served until his passing as the President of Ogbomoso Parapo Worldwide, a role in which he brought people together across generations and borders.

Justice Adeniran was not only a jurist but a statesman, mentor and unifier – a pillar of the Oyo State Judiciary, a beacon in Ogbomosho land, and a respected voice across Yorubaland. His enduring legacy will be remembered by the many lives he touched through his judgments, mentorship, and leadership.

As part of his lifelong commitment to the legal profession, he published a remarkable work, “Compendium of Judgments Delivered by Hon Justice Afolabi Adeniran (Rtd).” The publication showcases his clear and reasoned decisions, serving as a valuable reference for judges, lawyers and law students.

Our father deeply admired Lord Denning, one of England’s most respected jurists often referred to as “the people’s judge.”

Similarly through his work and values, Justice Adeniran assumed his own place as a “Judge of the People” – always striving for justice, equity, and the greater good.