‘Samuel Ajayi was an incorruptible judge’

Yinka Oladoyinbo, Akure - 13.04.2008

A retired judge in the Ekiti State judiciary, Justice Samuel Ajayi, was on Saturday laid to rest in his country home, Ikole-Ekiti.

The remains were committed to mother earth after a farewell service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ikole-Ekiti. It was attended by friends and well wishers.

The Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, who is also the Archbishop of Ondo Province of Anglican Communion, Reverend S. A. Abe, in his sermon, described the late jurist as a God-fearing man.

According to him, Justice Ajayi lived a selfless life, that which was worthy of emulation, as he was committed to the development of the society.

The clergyman said during the service that the deceased was a fearless and incorruptible judge.

He, however, urged serving judges in the country to discharge their duties without favour, saying that they wielded an enormous power in the society.

Abe noted that the sustenance of the country’s democracy largely depend on the way and manner that the judiciary handle the litigations before it.

He reminded the serving judges of the last day, when they too would stand before the throne of judgment and be judged by God.

Apart from the judges, Abe also warned political office holders against corrupt practices, noting that they too would be judged by their actions and inactions.

He regretted that many of the people being referred to as excellencies in the country are not qualified to be called so, as their performances are not excellent.

He therefore urged the people to stop giving undue honour to the people that plunged the nation into crisis.

The funeral ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the former governor of Ekiti State , Chief Niyi Adebayo, the former military administrator of old Ondo State, Mike Akhigbe, judges from Ondo and Ekiti States, among others.