PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS FORMER CHIEF JUDGE OF BENUE STATE, JUSTICE ADAM OCHUME ONUM

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expresses sorrow over the passing of the former Chief Judge of Benue State, Hon. Justice Adam Ochume Onum, describing him as an accomplished jurist, public servant and community leader.

The President extends his heartfelt condolences to the late Justice Onum’s wife, Vivien, and the entire family, the Benue State Judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Idoma nation, the people of Benue State, and all Nigerians mourning the eminent jurist who died at 73.

Justice Onum began his public service career with the Ministry of Justice in Akure, Ondo State, during his National Youth Service Corps programme after graduating from the University of Lagos. He subsequently served as a Magistrate in Vandeikya, Benue State, between 1980 and 1982, and as a member of the Benue State House of Assembly in 1983.

He later established himself in private legal practice through Eko & Onum Chambers in Otukpo, providing legal services and contributing to the development of the legal profession in his community.

Between 1988 and 1991, he served as Solicitor-General of Benue State, as well as the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

In 1991, he became a judge of the Benue State High Court. He served as a Judge for more than two decades, until he was appointed Chief Judge, becoming the first person from the Idoma ethnic group to occupy the office since the creation of the state in 1976.

President Tinubu says:

“The passing of Hon. Justice Adam Ochume Onum is a profound loss to Benue State and our nation.

“Justice Onum lived a life of distinction, service and dedication. He devoted many years to administering justice. He rose through the ranks of the legal profession to become Chief Judge of Benue State, an achievement that reflected his professional competence, experience and commitment to public service.

“His life reminds us that the true legacy of service is not simply the positions we occupy but the institutions we strengthen, the opportunities we create and the lives we positively touch.

“On behalf of the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, the Benue State Judiciary, the Idoma nation and all the people of Benue State.

“May his memory remain a source of inspiration to the legal profession and to all who believe in justice, education, community development and service to humanity.

“I pray that Almighty God will grant his soul eternal rest and give his family, colleagues and loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
November 6, 2026