The Delta State Judiciary on Thursday held a solemn special court session in Asaba to honour the life and service of the immediate past President of the Customary Court of Appeal, late Hon. Justice Patience Onuwa Elumeze.
The event, which took place at the High Court Complex, drew justices, senior lawyers, government officials, and members of the bereaved family, all gathered to celebrate the jurist’s impactful legacy.
In her tribute, President of the Delta State Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice C. N. Ojugbana-Orishedere, described Justice Elumeze’s passing as a painful loss to the judiciary. She noted that the late jurist’s legacy would remain indelible, not only in the records of the Elumeze and Obaseki families, but also in the history of the Delta State Judiciary.
She also expressed appreciation to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for promptly providing financial assistance during the late Justice Elumeze’s medical care, as well as for approving the special court session.
Justice Ojugbana-Orishedere extended heartfelt condolences to Justice Elumeze’s son, Mr. Anthony Onwusoma, and the entire families of Elumeze and Obaseki.
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Born on April 2, 1958, in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, the late Justice Elumeze displayed academic brilliance from a young age. She earned her law degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1981 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1982.
Her judicial career reached a milestone on July 15, 2003, when she was appointed a Judge of the Delta State Customary Court of Appeal. Colleagues described her as a calm, principled, and patient adjudicator who conducted proceedings with fairness and quiet authority.
She became Acting President of the court on November 17, 2020, and her appointment was formally confirmed in June 2021 after approvals from the National Judicial Council and the Delta State House of Assembly.
During her stewardship, Justice Elumeze recorded remarkable achievements in widening access to justice across the state, including the establishment of eight new customary courts—four Area Customary Courts and four District Customary Courts.
The special court session also featured tributes from the Chief Judge of Delta State, Hon. Justice Tessy Diai; the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN; representatives of the Senior Advocates of Nigeria; and the Nigerian Bar Association, Asaba Branch.
