The Nigerian legal community has been thrown into mourning following the passing of Hon. Justice Ganiyu A. Safari, a distinguished jurist of the Lagos State Judiciary, whose life and career embodied the highest ideals of justice, fairness, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
Among those who have publicly expressed deep grief and admiration for the late Justice Safari is Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN — a renowned legal practitioner, Life Bencher, former NBA General Secretary, and a tireless advocate for justice and mentorship in the Nigerian Bar.
In his moving tribute, Aare Akinboro described Hon. Justice Safari as not only a towering figure on the Bench but also a man whose humility, wisdom, and commitment to truth defined his life both within and outside the courtroom.
A Life Dedicated to Justice
Hon. Justice Ganiyu A. Safari was widely revered for his intellectual depth, sound judgments, and principled demeanor on the Bench. Throughout his career, he distinguished himself as a beacon of hope for litigants, lawyers, and all who sought justice, ensuring that the law remained both accessible and fair.
Justice Safari was known for handling cases with utmost professionalism, patience, and an unmistakable commitment to truth. His court was a sanctuary of law, where both senior and junior members of the Bar were heard with respect and where litigants believed justice would be done without fear or favor.
A Personal Loss to the Legal Community
Aare Akinboro, SAN, in his tribute, recalled Justice Safari’s profound wisdom, quiet strength, and fatherly guidance to many in the legal profession. He highlighted how the late jurist mentored countless young lawyers and maintained relationships marked by warmth and approachability.
“Justice Safari’s passing is not just a loss to the judiciary, but a personal loss to those of us who were privileged to know him closely,” Akinboro noted. “He was a man of impeccable character, a fearless dispenser of justice, and a teacher whose legacy will continue to influence generations of lawyers and judges long after this painful moment.”
Akinboro went further to extend heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Justice Safari, the Lagos State Judiciary, and the entire Nigerian Bar, praying for strength, peace, and divine comfort for all those affected by this profound loss.
A Lasting Legacy
Justice Safari’s journey from a promising young advocate to a respected judge was marked by decades of service, integrity, and distinction. His legacy is firmly cemented in the precedents he set, the lives he touched, and the example he left behind for those who aspire to the Bench.
The Lagos State Judiciary and the Nigerian Bar will remember Justice Safari as a model of legal excellence, human dignity, and moral courage.
“May the Almighty grant Justice Ganiyu A. Safari eternal rest and grant his family the fortitude to bear this monumental loss. His wisdom and quiet strength will forever echo in the halls of justice.”
Hon. Justice Ganiyu A. Safari may have taken his final bow, but his impact on the Nigerian legal landscape will endure.
