By Ameh Ejekwonyilo
The Supreme Court yesterday held a valedictory court session in honour of the late Justice Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa, who died on May 4, this year.
In a tribute presented during the court session, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Maryam Mukhtar described Oputa as “a legend, a legal icon, a distinguished jurist and complete gentleman” who contributed immensely to the development and growth of the country’s judiciary.
She said late Justice Oputa worked hard and “earned an infallible reputation as a legal practitioner,” adding that “he was a person who drew respect by his air of quiet dignity; and not one to purposely call attention to himself or his achievements.”
In his tribute, the AGF said Oputa was a man who enjoyed the rare privilege reserved for only a few men in every generation, to have been severally acknowledged and honoured in his lifetime for the diverse contributions he made to the development of the country, especially in the judicial sector.
He said: “It was in the national assignment of chairing the Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission (Oputa Panel) in between October 2000 and May 2002 that he further demonstrated not only his patriotism and belief in a Nigeria free of division and acrimony but also the human spirit that was necessary to achieve that vision.”
NBA President, Okey Wali, in a speech entitled, “Chukwudifu Oputa – Beyond the Ages, He lives on” captured the Oguta born jurist from so many perspectives in the superlatives.
He said: “Whether you are talking about honourable Justice Oputa the Philosopher, the distinguished legal practitioner, the eminent jurist, the teacher, the public lecturer, or the judicial activist, you cannot but appreciate his great learning and industry.”