Remembering Justice Adam Ochume Onum: A Legal Luminary and Public Servant

President Bola Tinubu has formally expressed his condolences following the passing of Justice Adam Ochume Onum, the former Chief Judge of Benue State. According to a statement released on November 6, 2026, by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the late jurist is being remembered for his extensive contributions to the legal profession and public service in Nigeria.

A Distinguished Career in Law

Justice Onum, who passed away at the age of 73, maintained a career that spanned several decades and various levels of the Nigerian legal system. His professional journey began following his graduation from the University of Lagos, where he completed his National Youth Service Corps programme with the Ministry of Justice in Akure, Ondo State.

His early career trajectory included:

• Serving as a magistrate in Vandeikya from 1980 to 1982.
• A tenure as a member of the Benue State House of Assembly in 1983.
• Private practice at Eko & Onum Chambers in Otukpo.
• Serving as Solicitor-General, Attorney-General, and Commissioner for Justice in Benue State between 1988 and 1991.

In 1991, he was appointed as a judge of the Benue State High Court. He served in this capacity for over twenty years before eventually ascending to the position of Chief Judge. Notably, he was the first individual from the Idoma ethnic group to hold this office since the state’s creation in 1976.

Presidential Tribute

In his official statement, President Tinubu characterized the death of Justice Onum as a “profound loss” to both Benue State and the country at large. The President emphasized that Onum’s career trajectory, culminating in his role as Chief Judge, served as a testament to his professional competence and dedication to the rule of law.

“His life reminds us that the true legacy of service is not simply the positions we occupy but the institutions we strengthen, the opportunities we create and the lives we positively touch,” President Tinubu stated.

The President extended his sympathies to the deceased’s wife, Vivien, his family, the Benue State Judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the broader Idoma community. While the specific cause of death was not disclosed in the official announcement, the President’s message focused on honoring the jurist’s commitment to justice and public service.

Legacy and Impact

The life of Justice Onum is being framed as a model of institutional dedication. By transitioning from legislative service to the judiciary, he navigated multiple facets of governance, ultimately shaping the legal landscape of Benue State. As the legal community mourns his passing, the tributes from the federal government underscore the importance placed on his long-standing service to the state judiciary.

The loss of a figure who bridged the gap between early state legislative experience and high-level judicial administration marks a significant moment for the legal profession in Benue. While details regarding funeral arrangements have not yet been made public, the recognition from the highest office in the country reflects the esteem in which Justice Onum was held by his peers and the state he served.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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