Kayode Eso

By Toba Suleiman 

The Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has expressed regret over the death of retired Supreme Court judge, Justice Kayode Eso, describing his passage as a “big blow to the Judiciary in particular and the nation at large.”

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, also described Eso as “an incomparable legal giant whose contribution to jurisprudence will remain indelible in Nigeria and Africa.”

The Governor further described Eso as “an impartial, incorruptible and fearless judge who did justice to all cases before him regardless of personalities involved.”

Describing Eso as “the conscience of the nation’s judiciary”, Fayemi recalled that the late judge was forthright in arriving at his decisions as a judicial officer and never allowed anybody to intimidate him.

Fayemi noted that Eso was a role model to upcoming lawyers and judges in commitment, dedication, industry and discipline which helped him to maintain a scandal-free career both at the Bar and on the Bench.

He stated that Eso’s death has created a big void in the league of eminent Nigerian jurists whose counsel and contribution will be crucial as the nation embarks on another round of constitution amendment process.

While admitting that though Eso’s death is painful, Fayemi said he is consoled by the fact that the deceased lived a fulfilled life and positively affected his generation.