President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Justice Ibitola Adebisi Sotuminu, the former Chief Judge of Lagos State, at 86.
In a statement, President Tinubu extended condolences to Justice Sotuminu’s family, friends, and colleagues. He also commiserated with the Body of Benchers, the Nigerian Bar Association, the National Council of Women’s Societies, and the International Federation of Women Lawyers.
President Tinubu described Justice Sotuminu as a woman of integrity, honor, and diligence. He recalled their collaboration during his time as Governor of Lagos State and credited her for driving judicial reforms.
Justice Sotuminu’s legal career spanned over four decades. She began as a magistrate in 1969, then became Chief Magistrate of Lagos State. In 1984, she became the first woman appointed Chief Registrar of the Lagos State High Court. She later served as Chief Judge from 2001 to 2004, during which she modernized court infrastructure and digitized judicial processes, helping shape Lagos State’s legal innovations.
As her burial rites begin, President Tinubu has prayed for her soul’s peaceful repose and for comfort for those she left behind.
