The Oyo State Judiciary and the legal community are in mourning following the death of Justice Adegboye Gbolagunte, a prominent judge of the Oyo State High Court. Justice Gbolagunte passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024, after a brief illness, as announced by his eldest son, Oladiran Gbolagunte.
Justice Gbolagunte, born on December 10, 1959, left behind his wife, Wuraola, and three children: Oladiran, a digital technologist specialising in network communications; Oladoyin, a lawyer and accountant; and Oladotun, also a lawyer. He is also survived by four grandchildren.
In a heartfelt statement, the Gbolagunte family requested prayers for the repose of Justice Gbolagunte’s soul and expressed gratitude to those who have extended their condolences. Among the first to visit the family was the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Subulade Yerima, who was received by the deceased’s wife, Wuraola, and other family members.
A condolence register has been opened at both the Gbolagunte family residence and the Oyo State Judiciary headquarters in Ibadan.
Justice Gbolagunte had a distinguished career, starting as a journalist after studying mass communication at the University of Lagos. He later earned a law degree from the University of Ibadan and combined his legal practice with lecturing at The Polytechnic, Ibadan; the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Lagos; and the Radio Nigeria Training School, Sogunle, Lagos.
The Gbolagunte family has been influential in the region, notably contributing to the establishment of a campus of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, in their hometown of Eruwa. This was significantly supported by Justice Gbolagunte’s father, Chief Davidson Mokolade Gbolagunte, a former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly in the Second Republic.
The late Justice Gbolagunte’s multifaceted career and commitment to education and the judiciary have left an indelible mark on Oyo State and beyond.