Retired Supreme Court Justice, Emmanuel Ayoola, dies at 90

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Honourable Justice Emmanuel Olayinka Ayoola (JSC, rtd), a distinguished retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and former Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has passed away at the age of 90 years. The Ayoola family confirmed his death in a statement released earlier Wednesday, expressing deep gratitude to God for his remarkable life and achievements.

Justice Ayoola was celebrated for his exceptional legal acumen, unwavering integrity, and dedication to justice. Throughout his distinguished career, he served at various judicial levels, ultimately reaching the Supreme Court of Nigeria. His tenure was marked by landmark judgements significantly influencing Nigerian law and jurisprudence.

On Wednesday, an official condolence statement by the chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, announced that Justice Ayoola died on Tuesday, August 20. Aliyu stated that the demise of Justice Ayoola marks the end of an illustrious chapter in the history of Nigeria’s judiciary and broader legal profession, describing him as a jurist of international repute whose legal career spanned over five decades, encompassing private practice and notable tenure on the bench both in Nigeria and abroad.

“Exceptional integrity, brilliant legal analysis, intelligent judgment, and steadfast commitment to justice distinguished him as a towering figure in the legal profession. During his service as the chairman of ICPC, he was unwavering in his commitment to the fight against corruption, a cause he championed with vigour and a profound sense of duty.”

“Justice Ayoola’s exemplary life and work have left an indelible mark on the legal profession, inspiring generations of legal practitioners and public servants. His contributions to the Nigerian judiciary and his international engagements, including his service as Chief Justice of the Gambia and his role at the Special Court for Sierra Leone, reflect his dedication to upholding the rule of law and justice globally,” he said.

“The ICPC and the nation have lost a venerable elder statesman. However, his legacy will continue to guide and inspire our ongoing efforts in the battle against corruption, providing hope for a more just and fair society.”

Justice Ayoola was born on October 27, 1933. He obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of London and a BA in Jurisprudence from Oxford University. He was called to the English Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1957. In 1959, he was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. For 17 years, he had a private legal practice in Ibadan.

He was appointed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations and served as a judge of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, President of the Seychelles Court of Appeal, and former Chief Justice of the Gambia. He was also a Vice President of the World Judge’s Association and won the United Nations Human Rights Fellowship award in 1996. He edited the Seychelles Law Digest, the Law Reports of the Gambia, and the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports.

He became Chairman of ICPC in 2005 and was also a judge of the Appeals Chamber of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. He served as the Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria between 2003 and 2005 and as the Chairman of the Working Committee on Law Revision of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria in 2000.

The Ayoola family’s statement reads: “With heartfelt gratitude to the Lord Almighty for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing away of our beloved Dad, granddad, great-granddad, brother, uncle, benefactor, and friend, Hon. Justice Emmanuel Olayinka Ayoola (JSC, rtd; CON).”

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