*As Court Of Appeal Bids Farewell To Justice Daniel-Kalio At Valedictory Session
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The Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division, on Tuesday held a solemn but celebratory valedictory court session in honour of Honourable Justice Obietonbara Owupele Daniel-Kalio, OFR, Presiding Justice of the Asaba Division, as His Lordship formally retired from judicial service upon attaining the constitutionally prescribed age of 70 years.
The occasion, which coincided with the Special Court Session in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Court, was described as both reflective and auspicious. The valedictory brought together members of the Bench, the Bar, and distinguished guests to pay tribute to a jurist widely regarded as one of the finest to have graced Nigeria’s halls of justice.
Delivering a heartfelt tribute, the Honourable President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, CFR, praised Justice Daniel-Kalio’s life of integrity, devotion to justice, and faithful service to the Nigerian nation.
“We are here not merely to mark the conclusion of an illustrious judicial journey,” she said, “but to honour a life devoted to justice, integrity and the faithful service of our dear nation, Nigeria.”
She noted that Justice Daniel-Kalio’s retirement marked the close of over three decades of distinguished and memorable service, stressing that although the gavel may be laid to rest, the legacy forged on the Bench would endure far beyond the courtroom walls.
The President of the Court expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for sustaining His Lordship through what she described as a rare privilege — an illustrious career completed with distinction.
Justice Daniel-Kalio was born on 17 February 1956 and was shaped early by an untiring pursuit of excellence.
He attended King’s College, Lagos, from 1969 to 1975, before proceeding to the University of Lagos, where he earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree in 1980.
He attended the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, and was called to the Bar in 1981.
His Lordship further distinguished himself academically by earning Certificates in Legal Drafting at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of Lagos, and at the University of London Institute of Advanced Legal Studies in 1987 and 1990, respectively.
In 1994, he obtained his LL.M. degree from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, exemplifying his lifelong commitment to legal mastery.
Justice Daniel-Kalio was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Rivers State in 1995, where he served with exemplary distinction and earned a reputation for fairness, legal acuity, and deep ethical commitment.
His elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2012 was described as a natural progression in a career marked by diligence, consistency, and untiring integrity.
At the appellate court, His Lordship served meritoriously in the Ibadan, Kaduna, and Lagos Divisions, before rising to become the Presiding Justice of the Awka Division, and subsequently the Asaba Division.
The Court noted that the enduring legacy left by Justice Daniel-Kalio across these divisions stands as a testament to his dedication, commitment, and judicial excellence.
Justice Dongban-Mensem recalled working closely with him during his early years at the Ibadan Division, describing him as a tireless jurist, incisive thinker, reliable colleague, and a man of few words but remarkable intellect.
Justice Daniel-Kalio, a meticulous and highly respected draftsman, currently serves as the Chairman of the Court of Appeal Rules Committee.
He was previously a key member of the committee that reviewed and produced the Court of Appeal Rules, 2021, alongside six other legislative instruments enacted or reviewed within the same period.
His Lordship also served on several ad hoc committees, including the Court’s committee on constitutional amendment in 2021, discharging his duties with the highest professionalism, confidentiality, and unimpeachable integrity.
Justice Daniel-Kalio also serves as one of the eminent judges of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), where he has consistently upheld professional standards with dedication and a keen sense of justice.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Justice Daniel-Kalio has received numerous awards, including:
- NBA Port Harcourt Branch Award for Excellence as Best Judge of Rivers State (2002)
- Honour as Judge of the Year (2008)
- The national honour of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) conferred in 2023
- The DSSRS Award by the Government of Rivers State in 2017
- The Sir Ahmadu Bello Distinguished Leadership Award as “Jarman Matasan Arewa” Icon of Nation Building by the Northern Youth Association of Nigeria in 2020
Tributes highlighted Justice Daniel-Kalio’s judicial acumen across diverse areas of law, marked by principled adjudication, methodical reasoning, and intellectual honesty.
In TAGBO v. Gov. of Anambra State & Ors (2024) LPELR-62374(CA), His Lordship delivered a profound exposition on the authority of ratio decidendi and the binding force of precedent, while also acknowledging with humanity the commendable efforts of a non-lawyer appellant.
In OCEAN DEEP PROPERTIES LTD v. ACCESS BANK PLC (2021) LPELR-54838(CA), he reaffirmed the principle that appellate courts must refrain from substituting their views for trial courts on clear findings of fact.
In STERLING BANK PLC v. ONYIA & Anor (2024) LPELR-62378(CA), Justice Daniel-Kalio demonstrated respect for judicial discretion and strongly condemned insulting language directed at trial judges, reminding counsel of the ethos of decorum and professionalism.
His Lordship further clarified principles of abuse of court process in OTUNBA JUSTUS OLUGBENGA DANIEL v. FRN (CA/I/55/2013), noting that abuse arises from instituting fresh actions between the same parties on the same subject matter while earlier suits remain pending.
Justice Dongban-Mensem also expressed profound appreciation to Mrs Daniel-Kalio, his children, and grandchildren for their sacrifices and unwavering support throughout his years of service.
She offered prayers for His Lordship’s sound health and abundant blessings in retirement, so that he may enjoy the rest he richly deserves.
In a notable appeal, the President of the Court urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, to consider upgrading the National Judicial Institute (NJI) into a Judicial University, so that the wealth of experience of retiring jurists such as Justice Daniel-Kalio can be retained within the judiciary for the training of emerging judicial officers.
“It is poignant to see my Lord depart while still full of vigour,” she said, noting that his experience would greatly benefit aspiring judges, registrars, clerks, and other judicial staff.
The occasion also coincided with Justice Daniel-Kalio’s birthday, and warm wishes were extended for continued good health and fulfilment in retirement.
As Justice Obietonbara Owupele Daniel-Kalio, OFR, retires, the Court of Appeal and the nation celebrate a legacy of excellence, professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice — an imprint destined to stand the test of time.
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