The judiciary sector was thrown into mourning in Akure, Ondo State, on Monday as a judge of the Court of Appeal in the state was said to have slumped and died.
Justice Lokulo-Sodipe, 67, was said to have slumped in his office while preparing for the day’s court sitting.
Officials of the court who were around were said to have made frantic efforts in reviving him but died while rushing him to the nearest hospital.
Confirming the incident, the immediate past Chairman of Nigeria Bar Association, (NBA) Akure Beach, Rotimi Olorunfemi Esq said: “Just confirmed it ( the judge’s death ) is true. He collapsed in the office at Court of Appeal, Akure this ( Monday) morning. He was rushed to the hospital but confirmed DOA (Death on Arrival)”
The current Chairman of NBA Akure, Banjo Ayenakin, described the incident as a rude shock, saying “the news of the demise of Hon Justice Lokulo-Sodipe came to me as a rude shock.
“My lord was a quintessential judge, very intelligent and forthright.
“I commiserate with his family and the President of the Court of Appeal, Nigeria.
“The entire members of NBA Akure will surely miss his promptness, forthrightness and commitment to the development of Justice in Nigeria.”