Late Hon. Justice Ayobode Olujimi Lokulo-Sodipe has been described as an oracle of the legal community, a mentor and unpurchaseable jurist who until his death dispensed justice without affection or ill will.

Ogun State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice (Dr.) Mosunmola Dipeolu, FICMC, FHNRmade this commendation at a Special Court Sitting held in honour of the late Jurist at the Ogun State Judiciary Complex, Abeokuta on 30^th March, 2023

His Lordship said thatlate Hon. Justice Lokulo-Sodipewas one of the oracles of the legal community and mentor to some judges describing his death as a great loss to the nation’s temple ofJustice.

“His Lordship dispensed justice to all manner of persons, devoid of prejudice, no matter whose ox was gored and without affection or ill will. He could not be compromised and was unpurchaseable. His Lordship saw the office of a judge as a high calling from God, to whom we shall all account at the end of time. He had inimitable integrity without any whiff of scandal.His Lordship could sometimes be very blunt when he spoke. He was not given to prevarication or undue regard to niceties.  One will always know where he stood on sundry issues and occasion” The Chief Judge submitted.

Reacting, Hon. Justice OyebisiOmoleye of the Court of Appeal, Akure Division described the deceased as a friend whose legacy would continue to live in Court.

Commiserating with State Judiciary and the family of the late law lord, Ogun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. OluwasinaOgungbade, SAN   described the late Justice Lokulo-Sodipe as a sound and erudite Judge who died at a promising time, maintaining that his good legacy would never be forgotten in the State.

Ogungbade further agitated for healthcare centres to cater for members of staff during working hours, as well as recruitment of more Judges to reduce the workloads in the Courts,

Representing Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. BamboAdesanya SAN, said some of the cases handled by the late jurist had proved him as a man of unquestionable character who always stand for the defence of human rights and liberties of all persons.

Late Justice Lokulo-Sodipe was born on the 18^th of February, 1956 in Abeokuta, attended the University of Ibadan and Staff School, University of Ibadan between 1961-1968. His Lordship obtained a degree in Law from the University of Ife (Now Obafemi Awolowo University) Ile – Ife in 1978 and was enrolled as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on the 17^th July, 1979.  

Justice Lokulo-Sodipe had his National Youth Service Schemeat the Ministry of Justice and Legal Aid Council, Ilorin between 1979 and 1980. He started his legal career as a State Counsel in the Ogun State Ministry of Justice on 1^st July 1980 and rose through the ranks to become Director of Public Prosecution, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary and he was appointed as Judge of High Court of Ogun State in December, 1996.

Late Justice Lokulo-Sodipe was the Chairman of Ogun State Judiciary Law Reporting Committee 2001 – 2008 and Delta State National Assembly, Governorship and Legislative Houses Election Petition Tribunal Panel in 2007. He was elevated to the Court of Appeal in December, 2008.

At the Appellate Court, Hon. Justice JusticeLokulo-Sodipe served in Abuja, Enugu, Benin, Ekiti and Owerri Divisions. He also served at Asaba, Owerri and Akure Divisions of the Court of Appeal asthe Presiding Justice.