Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has congratulated the outgoing chairman, Body of Benchers, Hon. Justice Mary Odili, a retired justice of the Supreme Court.
In a statement by the media advisor to the Odili family, Dr Emma Okah, the chief justice described Justice Mary Odili as a lady of great integrity whose intellectual credentials stand out in the discharge of her duties.
He spoke while delivering a speech at the send forth party in honour of Justice Odili at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja yesterday.
While commending her dedication to duty and untiring efforts to raise the integrity of the legal profession, Justice Ariwoola said Justice Odili was effective and made sterling contributions during her tenure as chairman.
He said; “Your tenure as chairman of this august body witnessed many remarkable achievements geared towards the development of the legal profession. Your passion and service to the Body of Benchers cannot be overemphasised or downplayed as you have boldly written your name in gold in the annals of this August body.”
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, described Justice Odili as a seasoned jurist whose outstanding career in the bench reflected the discipline and intellectual hard work that she brought to bear while serving.
According to Governor Fubara, those who have followed the career growth of Justice Odili and her accomplishments would agree that what you put in is what you get out.
He said; “Hon Justice Mary Odili rose from the ranks up to the High Court and from there she was promoted to the Court of Appeal and finally to the Supreme Court. Those are lines of diligent work and commitment to duty. You also saw the documentary that was shown. So when it comes to her life as a judicial officer, the records are there and it is only a good product that can beget a good product, noting that this is the reason why she is excellent in what she is giving out.”
In his goodwill message, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma who was represented by Amb. Humphrey Orjiakor congratulated Justice Mary Odili for a successful tenure and described her as a round peg in a round hole. He noted that she was a great woman whose contributions to the growth and development of the Bench and the Bar as well as her commitment to truth, patriotism and rule of law remained unquestionable.
President of the Court of Appeal, Hon Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, said Justice Mary Odili left no one in doubt that she had set out to make a difference in the Body of Benchers by constantly discharging her responsibilities with ease.
According to her, Justice Odili’s one year tenure was not only remarkable but a millenium of good working relationship with the bench and the bar.
The incoming chairman of Body of Benchers, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) in his address said Justice Odili left big shoes for him as her successor and extolled her sterling qualities and creativity in managing the affairs of the body. While congratulating her for a successful tenure in office, he pledged to continue to pray to be able to maintain the standard of leadership that Justice Mary Odili had set in the Body of Benchers.
Speaking in the same vein and on behalf of chairmen of committees of the Body of Benchers, Rafiu Lawal-Rabana (SAN) noted that the one year tenure of Justice Mary Odili, even though short, was eventful and remarkable for initiating some positive changes. One of such was the innovations in the running of the Body by setting up a management committee comprising of Chairmen of Committees of the Body. This gave everyone a sense of belonging and responsibility in making input on burning issues affecting the larger profession.
From the Odili family, Dr Adaeze Oreh, Hon Commissioner for Health, Rivers State and first daughter of Justice Mary Odili described her mother as a calm, intelligent, humble and caring.
“She paid attention to every one in the house and walked them through the various paths they needed to succeed and even in marriage, she remained a support pillar for all of them in the house. She congratulated her and thanked everyone who turned out to honour her,” she said.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of award and medal to the outgoing chairman which was performed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria. Justice Odili served as chairman between April 2023 and March 2024.
