Justice Opeyemi Oke To Take Over As Lagos CJ Soon,See Her Profile

As Justice Funmilayo Atilade bit farewell to Lagos state judiciary as the Chief Judge of Lagos state, on Monday September 25, 2017. Justice Opeyemi Oke will be stepping in as the acting Chief Judge of Lagos State barring any last minute charge. Justice Oke, who should have been sworn in today Monday September 25, 2017, following the attainment of the mandatory retirement age on Sunday September 24, 2017 by Justice Funmilayo Atilade.

Information reaching The Eagle this afternoon say that both Justice Atilade and Justice Oke were still in Abuja as the National Judicial Commission is yet to complete it checks and balance on Justice Oke. According to insight sources Oke’s name was not submitted on time to the NJC and that is why she will be serving on the acting capacity for now.

It is expected that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode will perform the swearing in ceremony of Justice Oke any time before the end of this week, as it is expected that the NJC will give their blessing soon.   

However, here are some interesting facts you need to know about the incoming Chief Judge.

Birth

Justice Opeyemi Oluwafunmilayo Oke is a Christian and was born on June 10, 1954 to the family of Barrister (Revd.) B.F.O. Otesanya and Mrs E.O Otesanya from Ogun State.

Marriage

She is married to Mr. Akinyele Oke, Managing Director and Chief Executive of Florett Nigeria Ltd. They got married on June 9, 1979 and are blessed with three children.

Education

Justice Oke attended the Methodist Primary School Surelere from 1961-1963; Methodist Primary School, Ekotedo Ibadan, 1964-1965; University of Ife Staff Staff School Ibadan Campus, 1965-1967; Fiwasaiye Anglican Girls’ Grammar School, Akure, 1968-1972; Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo 1973;

For her tertiary education, Justice Oke attended the prestigious University of Ife, Ile-Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) 1973-1978; Nigerian Law School, 1978-1979; Coppin State College, Baltimore, State of Maryland, USA 1980-1982 ( Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with First Class Honours).

Professional Career

Justice Oke began her professional career as Counsel, Otesanya & Otesanya 1979; Maryland State-Parole and Probate Dept. Volunteer Service Award 1981-1982; Legal Officer, Federal Housing Authority 1982-1986.

Lagos State Judiciary: Senior Magistrate rising to Chief Magistrate Grade 1 1986-1996; Deputy Chief Registrar 1993-1994. Appointed Judge of High Court of Lagos State on July 19, 1996.

Professional Courses Attended

Advanced Management Studies, ASCON, Badagry Lagos 1988; Workshop on Judicial Administration by National Judicial Institute 1993; Induction Course for Judicial Officers by National Judicial Institute 1997; Judicial Reform, Conflict Management and Court Administration, American University, Washington DC, USA 1999-2000; Hubert Humphrey Fellow, a Fulbright Programme, American University, USA 2000.

She has attended several workshops and seminar in Nigeria and across the world.

Hobbies

Justice Oke’s hobbies includes reading novels, music, movies and gardening.