Scholars Pour Encomiums On Hon. Justice Rhodes Vivour JSC (Rtd) As Book Was Launch In His Honour

*Afe Babalola (SAN) says Rhodes Vivour was fair and impartial while on the bench
*Prof. Atsenuwa says the books will contribute to betterment of Nigerian jurisprudence
*Babalakin, SAN, says Rhodes Vivour was brilliant during his legal practice and his exit was a cause for reflection
*Bayo Ojo, SAN says the book will contribute to development of the Nigerian jurisprudence

Legal scholars have lauded the retired Supreme Court Justice, Justice Olabode Rhodes Vivour JSC (rtd), for his indelible input in the judiciary and legal profession when he served as the bench.

Aare Afe Babalola SAN, who was the chairman at the book launch of Aare Afe Babalola SAN held at Civic Center, Lagos state, lauded the contributions of Justice Rhodes-Vivour on the development of Nigerian Jurisprudence, he stated that the retiring jurist was known to be fair and impartial during his time at the bench. He commended Justice Rhodes-Vivour landmark decisions in locus classicus cases like Ukeje v Ukeje amongst others.

Babalola, SAN, was of the view that the justice system needs to be reviewed especially the retirement age of judges. Particularly, the Supreme Court Justices should be allowed to occupy their position without any retirement age which signifies the age restrictions.

He also stated that this practice was common in the United States of America as their Supreme Court Judges are allowed to occupy their positions till death.

Furthermore, he stated that Judges should be allowed to practice law even after retirement as some of them are still hale and hearty and it will assist the administration of justice.

The Learned Silk called for transparency in appointment of Judges and called for restructuring due to many diversities in the country.
In his conclusion, he thanked the attendees and urge them to buy the books in copies.

Professor Ayo Atsenuwa of University of Lagos commended the efforts of the contributors to the books who were erudite legal luminaries and scholars.

The Matriarch of the Nigerian Bar, Chief Folake Solanke SAN, commended the celebrant and was of the view that the books will contribute greatly to the betterment of the Nigerian jurisprudence.

She stated that the books will assist lawyers while carrying out legal research and it will be a point of reference to judges, law lecturers in universities and law school.

Mrs Tejumade Isabella Rhodes-Vivour Nwaogu was the third to review the book, she eulogized the retiring jurist and enjoined everyone to get the books as its proceeds would be dedicated to charity.

Notable personalities were called on to launch the book. Oba Otudeko eulogized the celebrant, lauded his efforts on the bench and made his own donation; Chief Wole Olaonipekun also gave credit to the retiring jurist and made his own donation.

Wale Babalakin SAN commended Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, he mentioned the brilliance of his lordship during his time at the bar especially as the Director of Public Prosecution, he claimed that his exit is a cause for reflection and he decried the decline in legal practice these days.

He also mentioned that frivolous petition by lawyers has cowed Judges and he complained about the huge volume of workload on Judges these days.

He later donated 1.5 million naira for Charity purposes. Several donations were made by well-wishers and other attendees of the program.

Chief Bayo Ojo SAN who applauded the retiring jurist and stated that the book is a contribution to the development of the Nigerian Jurisprudence.

He forged ahead to laud the efforts of the editor, Mr Ayo and the remarks of Chief Folake Solanke SAN in the book. He commended the decision of Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour JSC in Ukeje v Ukeje, as the decision now allows females to inherit property in Igbo societies.

Other dignitaries that graced in the event were Justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal including Justice Amina Adamu Augie JSC, Justice Abba Aji JSC, Justice Kudirat Kekere Ekun who was at the program with her husband Justices of Court of Appeal such as the President of the Court of Appeal amongst others.

Chief Wole Olaonipekun, Anthony Ighodaro, Yusuf Ali SAN, Dele Adesina SAN amongst others. His Royal Highness, Oba Otudeko was in attendance and the representatives of Bola Tinubu, Oluremi Tinubu and the Lagos State Governor, who was represented by the Attorney General of Lagos State, Onigbanjo SAN were all in attendance.

Mrs Doyin Rhodes Vivour SAN, the wife of the celebrant did the vote of thanks while appreciating all the attendees both physically and virtually then, Justice Kudirat Kekere Ekun gave the closing prayer, she wished everyone a safe journey.