The Lagos State Judiciary and members of the legal profession came together in solemn unity today to bid farewell to Hon. Justice A.G. Safari, who until his passing served with distinction as the presiding judge of High Court 2 in the Eti-Osa Judicial Division.
Justice Safari was laid to rest on Sunday afternoon at his residence on Alhaja Busola Street, near Singer Bus Stop in the Sango/Ota area of Ogun State. The funeral, which adhered to Islamic rites, took place at approximately 4:00 p.m., drawing dignitaries from across the legal and public service sectors.
Leading the tributes was the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, who arrived with a high-powered delegation of judicial officers. Among them were Hon. Justice Oshodi, Hon. Justice Adamson, Hon. Justice Abdul Ganiu, Hon. Justice Animahun, Hon. Justice Balogun, and Hon. Justice Muyideen Teju, all of whom joined in honoring the legacy of a jurist described as a man of integrity, humility, and unyielding commitment to justice.
Representing the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Eti-Osa Branch, Chairman Mr. Olanrewaju Obadina was present at the burial ceremony, accompanied by Mr. Makinde Akeem, Miss Grace Ajayi, and Alhaji Ahmad Manir. Speaking after the interment, Mr. Obadina expressed deep sorrow over the loss, extending condolences to the bereaved family and the entire judiciary. “We pray never to experience such a loss again in the near future,” he said, urging strength and unity among members of the Eti-Osa legal community.
The service also witnessed the presence of several other prominent figures including Mr. Gbenga Elias, Chief Registrar of the Lagos State Judiciary; Chief Magistrate Adefioye; Mr. Abdul Lateef Layeni, Senior Magistrate sitting at Ojo; and Mr. Animashahun, who represented the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Force CID, Alagbon.
From the Ministry of Justice, Dr. Martins, Director of Public Prosecution, attended to pay his respects, underscoring the far-reaching impact of Justice Safari’s work on both the bench and society.
The Chairman of the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN), Lagos Branch, Mr. Adewunmi Ismail Adebayo, also participated in the funeral prayers, joining the Muslim community in offering spiritual supplications for the late judge.
Justice Safari, known for his disciplined approach to the law and a calm, compassionate demeanor, leaves behind a lasting legacy in the Lagos Judiciary. His death marks a significant loss to the Eti-Osa Judicial Division and the broader legal fraternity.
As the legal community mourns, prayers continue to go up for the family he leaves behind—his wife, children, and loved ones—as they navigate this difficult time.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.