SATURDAY, 23rd October, 2021: President Muhammadu Buhari had on Saturday mourned the passing of Justice Samuel Ilori, the ninth Chief Judge of Lagos State.
This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in which the President said that Ilori would be remembered for introducing the use of technology to Nigerian courts.
In the statement which was titled, "President Buhari mourns Justice Ilori, Ex-Lagos Chief Judge", the President condoled with the family on the passing of the ex-Chief Judge.
The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to the family of Ilori on the passing of Justice Samuel Omotunde Ilori, the 9th Chief Judge of Lagos State.
“The President joins the Lagos State Government, the Bar, and the National Judicial Council in mourning the eminent jurist, who started his career as a Pupil Counsel at the Federal Ministry of Justice in 1965 and later transferred his service to Lagos State, rising through the ranks before his appointment as Chief Judge in 1996.
“President Buhari affirms that Justice Ilori, who had a distinguished career in the public service spanning over 30 years and comprising many roles, will be remembered for his pivotal role of introducing the use of technology in court proceedings in the country.
“The President adds that the Nigerian Judicial system is richer by the lifelong contributions of brilliant judges like Ilori.
“President Buhari prays God grants the soul of the departed eternal rest, and comfort family, friends and colleagues that mourn.”
The former judge died on Tuesday, October 12, at the age of 87. According to his family, he “passed peacefully”.