Jennifer Ugwueke
Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, on Monday, March 22 bowed out of the Supreme Court bench after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.
The jurist before his retirement was the next ranking Justice after the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Justice Rhodes-Vivour was born March 22, 1951 to the family of Hon. Justice Akinwumi Rhodes-Vivour and Mrs M.E Rhodes-Vivour (all of blessed memory), in Lagos Island Local Government, Lagos State.
Speaking at valedictory Court session in honour of Justice Rhodes-Vivour, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad described him as “Affable brother Justice” who diligently and meticulously offered unquantifiable services to Nigeria and humanity.
“We are all here today to felicitate with an accomplished jurisprudential iconoclast that has offered the best of his intellect to the advancement of the legal profession through his several years of inimitable adjudications” the CJN stated.
According to the CJN, “His Lordship is a rare gem and unblemished symbol of humility and piety.
“His proficiency in the dispensation of justice, which is anchored on his mastery of law, presents him as a man of honour and scholarship.
“His judgments are not only incisive but also analytical and opulent by all standards.
“His robust contributions to the development of our jurisprudence are inviolable and fascinating.
“His impeccable attention to details in every matter before him is alluring and salutary as well” the CJN said.