Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has praised former Supreme Court Justice and wife of former governor Peter Odili, Justice Mary Odili (retd.), as she bows out as the 51st chairman of the Body of Benchers.
Justice Odili had taken over the mantle of the BoB from the 50th Chairman, Wole Olanipekun, SAN.
The BoB is the legal body of practitioners of the highest distinction in the legal profession that, among other functions, is responsible for the formal call to the bar of persons seeking to become legal practitioners as well as disciplining of erring lawyers.
The send-off reception in honour of Justice Odili was held in Port Harcourt, the state capital, after one year of meritorious service to the body.
Justice Odili held the revered position from April 2023 to March 2024.
The event, which was held at the Halimatu Abdullahi Turaki Hall of the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja on Thursday, witnessed her vice, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, take over the mantle as the new Chairman of BoB.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Speaking at the event, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, commended Justice Odili for her invaluable contributions to the enrichment of the body of jurisprudence and the legal profession throughout her years of meritorious services to the State and country.
Governor Fubara also expressed satisfaction with her record of exemplary performance and sacrifices within her one year as Chairman of the Body of Benchers in Nigeria.
“I do not doubt that your one-year tenure as Chairman of the Body of Benchers has ushered in reforms to ensure discipline, due process, and respect for rule of law among lawyers.
“As a Government, we thank you for your immeasurable service both to our dear state and the nation.”
In her remarks, Justice Mary Odili expressed deep appreciation to the Body of Benchers for the honour done to her and promised to always support them in whatever way possible to enable the Bench to succeed.
Also speaking, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, thanked Justice Mary Odili for her remarkable service to the Bench.
Ariwoola, further said her contributions to the body of jurisprudence in the country would remain a guiding light for the present and future generations of practitioners from the Bar and the Bench.
Among other distinguished Nigerians in attendance were husband to the celebrant and former governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili; and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Others included the Presidential Spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale; Senator Ben Obi; Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi; former Transport Minister, Dr. Abiye Sekibo; Life Bencher, Eddy Mark; and Dr Abdulrahman Sambo.