President Tinubu mourns former Lagos CJ, Justice Ibitola Sotuminu

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ibitola Adebisi Sotuminu, who died at the age of 86.

In a condolence message released on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu paid tribute to the late jurist, describing her as a woman of integrity, honour, and diligence who played a vital role in shaping the legal landscape of Lagos State.

Reflecting on their time in public service, President Tinubu noted that Justice Sotuminu’s leadership as Chief Judge was key to the judicial reforms initiated during his tenure as governor.

He noted her efforts helped modernize the state’s legal framework and restore public confidence in the judiciary.

“Justice Sotuminu was instrumental in advancing critical judicial reforms that strengthened the Lagos judiciary and positioned it as a model for the rest of the country,” Tinubu said.

Her legal career, which spanned more than four decades, began in 1969 as a magistrate. She later became Chief Magistrate and, in 1984, became the first woman to be appointed Chief Registrar of the Lagos State High Court. She was elevated to the High Court bench in 1986 and served as Chief Judge from 2001 to 2004.

During her tenure as Chief Judge, she spearheaded a number of initiatives, including the expansion and digitization of court infrastructure and the acceleration of judicial processes—measures that laid the foundation for Lagos’ continued leadership in legal innovation.

President Tinubu also extended condolences to the Body of Benchers, the Nigerian Bar Association, the National Council of Women’s Societies, and the International Federation of Women Lawyers.