- How SS Alagoa, JSC(rtd.) exposed politicians, businessmen and traditional rulers
Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has called on judges and all Nigerians in positions of authority to use their influence to positively impact others, emphasising the importance of leaving a lasting legacy.
Her Lordship who spoke at a Special Court Session held in honour of the late retired Supreme Court Justice, Stanley Shenko Alagoa, at the Supreme Court ceremonial hall in Abuja on Wednesday Kekere-Ekun iterated that the impact of a person’s contributions to humanity defines their legacy.
“His lordship’s passing reminds us all that life is fleeting, and we must strive to leave behind footprints worthy of remembrance,” she said at the Supreme Court complex.
“Even in death, Hon. Justice Alagoa’s legacy endures—a beacon of inspiration, wisdom, and unwavering integrity. His fatherly love, humility, and dedication to justice have left an indelible mark on all who knew him.”
Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun while reflecting on Justice Alagoa’s career, described him as a towering figure, both in stature and intellect, whose judicial pronouncements were marked by methodical reasoning and brilliance.
“He was a rare breed, devoid of arrogance and elitism, embodying simplicity and dignity—a courageous and dogged fighter for his beliefs,” she said.
She encouraged the late Justice’s family to uphold the values and principles he stood for.
Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Price Lateef Fagbemi, SAN described Alagoa as a firm and courageous jurist who used the law as a tool for governance and societal reform.
“Although his tenure on the Supreme Court bench was brief, it was impactful,” Fagbemi noted. “His contributions and bold statements continue to generate discussions among legal, political, and social commentators.”
He commended the CJN for honouring the late Justice with a special court session, recognising his lifelong service to the nation.
Also paying tribute, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, SAN urged Nigerians to honour Mr Alagoa’s memory by rededicating themselves to the values he championed—justice, integrity, and the unwavering pursuit of the rule of law.
“We must uphold the high standards he set by continuing to work passionately for the development of Nigeria,” Mr Osigwe said.
Born on 4 October 1943, in Ogbolomabiri Nembe, Bayelsa State, Mr Alagoa died on 5 December 2024 at the age of 81.
During his valedictory session on 5 October 2013, revealed that politicians often resort to intimidation and harassment in their uncanny bid “to influence judges to depart from their sacred oath of office and the path of honour and rectitude.”
According to him, “I will be failing in my duty especially at this time if I do not say a word or two about allegations of corruption in the judiciary. Time was when this cankerworm was confined to the Magistracy and Customary or Native Courts.
“With time it is said to have spread and has now gained ground in the High and some say appellate Courts. This trend must be worrisome to any discerning person as some highly placed persons including distinguished and respected retired Justices of the Supreme Court and other legal luminaries have expressed grave concern over this ugly trend.
“The greatest challenges to the judiciary are politicians followed by businessmen.
“Traditional rulers must also share in the blame. It is this class of persons that bribe, intimidate, harass or influence judges to depart from their sacred oath of office and the path of honour and rectitude.
“A judge who hobnobs with this group may well be unwittingly allowing his position to be compromised and possibly jeopardized. A judge must hold fast to his faith in God and be bold. This done, these class of persons, like bees can only buzz around but must certainly lack the power and ability to sting.
“A necessary first step is the selection process. Only men and women of proven integrity and courage should be picked to sit on the bench,” he said.
