The Lagos State High Court was plunged into mourning on Monday after the sudden death of Justice Abdulganiyu Safari of the Epe Division, leading to major disruptions in court proceedings.
Justice Safari, who sat at the Epe Division and was known for his calm but resolute handling of family and probate cases, died in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 62.
The respected jurist was laid to rest later that same day in accordance with Islamic rites, with mourners gathering at his residence on Alhaja Busola Street near Singer Bus Stop in Sango/Ota, Ogun State.
The late judge’s death left colleagues and court staff in visible grief, with many judges across the Lagos judiciary suspending courtroom activities in a collective moment of mourning.
While some courtrooms are expected to resume sitting by Tuesday, others may remain closed until Wednesday as the bench continues to reflect on the loss of one of its own.
Appointed to the Lagos bench on May 28, 2013, by former Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Justice Safari was a jurist marked by humility, legal clarity, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
Prior to his appointment, he had served with distinction as Chief Registrar of the Lagos State Judiciary, a role in which he earned admiration across legal circles for his efficiency and fairness.
In a formal statement, M.O. Ayida, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos Chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, conveyed the depth of the judiciary’s grief: “With utmost submission to the unquestionable will of Almighty God, the Lagos State Judiciary announces the death of one of our choicest judges and former Chief Registrar, Hon. Justice Ganiyu Safari, who departed in the early hours of today.”;
Tributes also poured in from the Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Ololade Ige, and the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Grace Alo, both of whom described the late judge as a model of judicial excellence and an embodiment of humility.
