The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has described the late Justice Alagoa as a rare breed, devoid of arrogance and elitism.
Speaking in Abuja at a valedictory court session held in honour of the late Justice of the Supreme Court on Wednesday, she said he was a courageous and dogged fighter for his beliefs.
The CJN urged all human beings to strive to leave behind; good legacies that will make their fellow human beings remember their lives and times for good.
She said that although the curtain has fallen on the earthly journey of Alagoa, she, however, noted with joy that the legacy of the Justice on earth remained etched in the sand of time for the coming ones to emulate.
“His lordship’s passing reminds us all that life is fleeting and we must strive to leave behind footprints worthy of remembrance.
“Even in death, Alago’s legacy endures a beacon of inspiration, wisdom, and unwavering integrity, his fatherly love, humility, and dedication to justice have left an indelible mark on all who knew him”.
He was a towering figure not only in stature but also in legal acumen, adding that, the late justice was a man of remarkable intellect and philosophical dept.
“His judicial pronouncements were marked by methodical reasoning and brilliance.
She also urged the family of the deceased to maintain and sustain the good legacies left behind by the late Justice.
Also speaking, the Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, described Alagoa as a firm and courageous jurist who exemplified the importance of using the instruments of law in improving governance and driving societal reforms.
He noted that although the tenure of Alagoa on the Supreme Court bench was brief, it was impactful as his contributions and bold statements have continued to elicit national discourse from legal, political, and social commentators to date.
Fagbemi commended the CJN for holding the special court session to celebrate the late Justice who, he said, traversed the length and breadth of Nigeria in service to his fatherland.
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association Afam Osigwe, called on Nigerians to honour the late jurist by rededicating themselves to the values he held which include justice, integrity, and the unwavering pursuit of the rule of law.
Osigwe prayed Nigerians to strive to uphold the high standard set by Justice Alagoa by continuing to work passionately for the general development of Nigeria.
Justice Alagoa, 70, an indigene of Ogbolamabiri Nembe in Bayelsa was born on October 4, 1943.
He died on Dec. 5, 2024.
