By Wahab Shittu, SAN, Ph.D.
LATE Dan Abutu, former Chief Judge of the Federal High Court just passed, and it pains.
The Late jurist was a quintessential gentleman. He was calm; he was cool; he was reserved; he was gentle like a dove.
Doves are widely recognized as symbols of peace, love and hope. In some cultures, they represent purity and spiritual guidance. They are known for their gentle cooing sounds and are often associated with peace and love.
The late jurist in and outside the courtroom reflected all these attributes. The departed jurist did not suffer the tragedy of a talking judge.
In the conduct of proceedings, the late jurist maintained always a dignified silence and composure; he never betrayed any emotions and never exhibited bias as a presiding officer.
I had the privilege of appearing before His lordship a few times and I can attest to these exemplary qualities of the departed jurist.
The late jurist demeanour, comportment and candour on the Bench offer useful lessons on the ideal judex. Useful lessons because ideally in the conduct of courtroom proceedings, judges are rarely expected to descend into the arena of conflicts of the disputants, less they stand the risks of being blinded by the dust raised by the combatants.
Indeed the talking Judge endangers the justice delivery system.
The late jurist was different; he was the exact opposite of a Talking Judge.
He was disciplined, he was reserved, he was calm, his comportment was decent.
Therefore, we mourn his exit.
The judiciary has lost a calm judicial officer. And this pains.
May his gentle soul rests in perfect peace, Amen.
Adieu, Hon Justice Dan Abutu.
Dr. Shittu, SAN, is a Lagos-based senior lawyer and a social commentator.
