The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal convened a Special Valedictory Court Session in honour of Hon. Justice Jimi Olukayode Bada, OFR, the Presiding Justice of the Division, who has attained the statutory retirement age of 70.
The solemn but celebratory ceremony was attended by legal luminaries, colleagues, family, and friends, marking the end of a distinguished judicial career spanning over four decades.
In her tribute, the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR, described Justice Bada as a jurist of “great erudition and unimpeachable character,” who served with quiet strength, humility, and unwavering dedication to justice. She noted that the Lagos Division-the busiest in the appellate system-benefitted immensely from his steady leadership, wisdom, and integrity.
“Today, we pause to reflect on and celebrate the outstanding judicial journey of a jurist whose legacy has enriched our legal system,” Justice Dongban-Mensem said. “Hon. Justice Bada is remarkably calm, dedicated, and tolerant, even while presiding over a Division with the highest number of Justices.”
Born on May 10, 1955, in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Justice Bada’s journey to the bench began with a strong academic foundation. He attended Ogbomosho Grammar School, studied at the Polytechnic Ibadan, and later earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1981. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1982 and began his legal career at the Legal Aid Council during his NYSC.
Justice Bada was appointed to the Osun State High Court in 1992 and rose to the Court of Appeal in 2005. He served in several divisions— including Enugu, Abuja, Ekiti, Yola, Benin, Ibadan, and finally Lagos-leaving indelible marks of excellence in each.
Justice Dongban-Mensem highlighted several of his landmark decisions, praising his deep understanding of substantive justice and procedural fairness. In Sanni v. The State (2019), Justice Bada clarified the probative value of a confessional statement in criminal trials. In Access Bank v. Sunshine Oil and Chemical Dev. Co. Ltd (2021), he emphasized that procedural irregularities should not override the cause of justice. And in Unity Bank PIc & Anor v. Berkhout (2020), he stressed that grounds of appeal must arise from actual decisions of lower courts.
“These judgments reflect a jurist with clarity of thought and empathy,” she said. “They will continue to shape our legal landscape for years to come.”
Outside the courtroom, Justice Bada was equally committed to the advancement of the judiciary, participating in numerous judicial education initiatives and conferences both locally and internationally.
The Court President commended his family for their steadfast support, acknowledging the personal sacrifices that accompanied his decades-long judicial service. She urged His Lordship to embrace the joys of retirement, having served the nation with distinction.
“In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Thank you, my Lord, for your noble service to the administration of justice,” she concluded. “May posterity remember you with the kindness and honour you so richly deserve.”
