The Nigerian legal community is in mourning following the passing of retired Justice of the Court of Appeal (JCA), Ahmad Olanrewaju Belgore, who breathed his last on Tuesday evening. The news of his demise was confirmed by Kamaldeen Gambari, Esq., chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin branch, Kwara State.
Justice Belgore's illustrious career spanned decades of dedicated service to the legal profession. Having retired from the Court of Appeal on April 18, 2023, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and integrity.
Born on April 18, 1953, Justice Belgore embarked on his legal journey by obtaining his LL.B (Hons.) with Specialisation in Islamic Law from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. He further honed his skills at the Nigerian Law School in Lagos and was enrolled as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in July 1979.
His judicial career saw him serve in various capacities, including as a Judge of the High Court of Justice, Kwara State, from 1990 to 2006, and as a Resident High Court Judge in the Offa Judicial Division of Kwara State from 1994 to 1999. Notably, he chaired the Special Miscellaneous Offences Tribunal in Abuja, showcasing his versatility and dedication to the legal system.
Justice Belgore's commitment to justice extended beyond the borders of Nigeria as he was seconded to the Judiciary of the Republic of the Gambia. There, he served as Justice of Appeal in the Gambia Court of Appeal and later as acting Justice of the Supreme Court of the Gambia until December 2005.
Upon his return to Nigeria, he continued to ascend the judicial ladder, eventually being appointed as a Justice of the Court of Appeal in 2006. His expertise and dedication were further recognized when he became the Presiding Justice of the Sharia Panel of the Court of Appeal in 2008. In 2015, he assumed the role of Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal and was posted to the Ekiti Division.
In addition to his judicial responsibilities, Justice Belgore was a respected member of the legal community, serving as a member of the Body of Benchers of Nigeria from October 2015. His contributions were honored when he was appointed as a Life Bencher in February 2021.
The passing of Justice Ahmad Olanrewaju Belgore leaves a void in the Nigerian legal landscape, but his legacy of integrity, professionalism, and dedication will continue to inspire generations of legal practitioners to come.
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