Special Valedictory Court Session In Honour of Hon. Justice Jimi Olukayode Bada, OFR. Presiding Justice, Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal.
In a tribute to Honourable Justice Jimi Oluayode Bada, OFR, the President of the Court of Appeal Honourable Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR, stated that it is with profound honour and gratitude to God Almighty for a life of selfless service to our dear nation and an enduring commitment to justice that the Court has gathered for a special Valedictory Court Session in honour of a distinguished jurist, a man of great erudition and unimpeachable character, who has attained the statutory retirement age of 70.
His Lordship noted that the Court convened for a week-long Special Court Sitting here in Lagos in his honour, being the second most senior Justice of the Court of Appeal, a Life – Bencher and true gentleman in every sense. Adding that His Lordship is remarkably calm, dedicated and tolerant, even while presiding over a Division with the highest number of Justices. He leads with quiet strength, takes responsibility with grace and commands deep respect among his colleagues.
“I had the privilege of meeting His Lordship many years ago, but we only shared the bench once. She said
The President of the Court of Appeal reflecting on the journey of Hon. Justice Jimi Olukayode Bada, stated that;
“…Today, we pause to reflect on, and celebrate the outstanding judicial journey of a jurist whose legacy has enriched our legal system and inspired all who crossed paths with the bench.
“Born on the 10th of May, 1955, in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Hon. Justice Bada’s early years were shaped by an untiring pursuit of excellence. His Lordship attended Ogbomosho Grammar School from 1968 to 1972, and subsequently the Polytechnic Ibadan between 1976 and 1978. His Lordship’s thirst for knowledge led him to the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, where he earned his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1981. He proceeded to the Nigerian Law School in Lagos and was later called to the Nigerian Bar in 1982.
“His Lordship began his legal career at the Legal Aid Council during his National Youth Service Corps from 1982 to 1983, a fitting beginning for a man whose life has been defined by service.
“Hon. Justice Bada was appointed to the High Court of Osun State in 1992. There, he served with distinction, earning a reputation for fairness, legal acuity, and deep ethical commitment. His elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2005 was a natural progression in a career marked by consistency, diligence, and unwavering integrity.
“His Lordship served meritoriously in Enugu and Abuja Divisions before rising to become the Presiding Justice of Ekiti, Yola, Benin, Ibadan and finally Lagos Division. The indelible marks left by His Lordship in each of these Divisions stand as enduring testaments to his dedication, commitment and judicial excellence.
“Hon. Justice Bada, an ideal jurist with a proficient analytical mind, has brought clarity to many complex areas of the law. His Lordship possess the rare ability to interpret the law with both precision and empathy. Whether presiding over intricate constitutional matters or sensitive criminal appeals, His Lordship ensured that every party before the Court, regardless of status was heard and treated with respect. His Lordship’s humility, scholarship, and inner strength have served as a beacon of inspiration to many within the legal profession”.
Hon. Justice Dongban-Mesem while highlighting some of the notable pronouncements made by the esteemed Hon. Justice Bada, PJCA, said:
“In Sanni V. The State (2019) LPELR – 48418 (CA), His Lordship expounded on the effect of a confessional statement as follows:
“A Confessional Statement voluntarily made is an admission by the maker that he committed the offence. It is the best evidence that the accused person committed the offence because it is his own confession.
“A Court is entitled to convict an accused based upon his Confessional Statement and in this case Exhibit “C1”. See – OSUAGWU VS. STATE (2013) 1 – 2 S.C. PAGE 194.- SOLOLA VS. THE STATE (2006) VOL. 5 LRCNCC PAGE 166 AT PAGES 199 – 200.
The Appellant raised a defence of Alibi that he was hospitalized for injuries he sustained from motorcycle accident. I am of the view that the Confessional Statement of the Appellant Exhibit “C1” read along with the testimony of PW2 and PW4 reproduced earlier in this Judgment demolished the Alibi raised by the Appellant that he was not at the scene when Bodija Market Police Station was set ablaze.”
“Similarly, In Access Bank v. Sunshine Oil and Chemical Dev. Co. Ltd [2021] LPELR – 53348 (CA), His Lordship emphasized that procedural technicalities must not override substantive justice. He stated thus: “As stated in the lead judgment that the Appellant has not suffered any miscarriage of justice as a result of a pre-trial conference not having taken place before the lower Court fixed the matter for hearing. I will add that in view of the steps already taken by the Respondent, it is my view that it is not every irregularity that will nullify an entire proceedings, particularly where the irregularity did not affect the merit of the case or occasion a miscarriage of justice……”
Such pronouncement His Lordship said, reveals a jurist who understood the essence of justice beyond the mere mechanics of procedure.
“In UNITY BANK PLC & ANOR V. BERKHOUT (2020) LPELR-51544(CA) His Lordship further elaborated on the principle that a ground of appeal must arise directly from the decision of a lower court. He held thus: “A perusal of the proceedings of 11th February 2014 of the lower Court set out above would reveal that the learned trial Judge had not made Ruling on whether or not the two applications before that Court could be heard together or not when the Appellants filed a Notice of Appeal against the proceedings of the Court dated 11th day of February 2014.
It is trite law that in an appeal, a ground of appeal must be based on the decision or Judgment of the lower Court, and if not so based, such a ground would be incompetent and liable to be struck out. Put in other words, where there is neither a Ruling nor a Judgment of the lower Court appealed against, the Notice of Appeal and the Grounds are incompetent and ought to be struck out.”
The President of the Court of Appeal noted that these cases represent only a few of the numerous judgments delivered by His Lordship exemplifying his profound legal acumen, tireless industry and steadfast dedication to the rule of law.
“These judgments will no doubt continue to shape our legal landscape for years to come”. She said
Beyond the courtroom, His Lordship noted that; “Hon. Justice Bada has been a relentless advocate for judicial education. He has attended and contributed to numerous conferences, both locally and internationally, advancing the cause of justice and strengthening the judiciary’s capacity to respond to evolving legal challenges.
“His Lordship has admirably maintained a harmonious balance between his professional commitment and family life. On this note, our sincerest appreciation goes to His Lordship’s family for the many sacrifices they made in supporting him throughout the decades of his distinguished judicial career. We now return him to their loving care, in good health and high spirit, trusting that they will enjoy many peaceful and fulfilling years together.
“Retirement marks the beginning of a new chapter, an opportunity to explore long-cherished interests and passion. I encourage His Lordship to embrace this new season of life and all the enriching experiences it has to offer.
Concluding her tribute, the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR on behalf of her esteemed Brother Justices, staff of the Court, her humble self, and all that gathered, extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Hon. Justice Jimi Olukayode Bada, OFR, as he embarks on a felicitous phase of life.
“In the words of Mahatma Ghandhi, she said”…… “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
“Thank you, my Lord, for your noble service to the administration of justice. May you enjoy the well-earned rest that follows, and may posterity remember you with the kindness and honour you so richly deserve.”
