Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Mr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has advised judicial officers across Nigeria to take their annual vacations seriously, stressing the importance of rest for long-term productivity and well-being.
Speaking at a valedictory court session held in honour of late Justice Young Ogola (rtd) in Yenagoa on Friday, Ewhrudjakpo acknowledged the intense workload and stress judges face and urged them not to compromise their rest periods.
“There is no doubt that judicial officers in our country work under tremendous strain. They burn in the day and even at night,” Ewhrudjakpo said.
“The time you have for your vacation should not be compromised… You must rest because the work will continue even when you are not there.”
Ewhrudjakpo paid glowing tribute to Justice Ogola, describing him as a man of humility, values, and selflessness, who chose to promote the common good over materialism.
“Justice Ogola lived to let others live… He was a man of values, not valuables,” the deputy governor said.
He encouraged young people, especially within the legal profession, to emulate Ogola’s integrity, fairness, and dedication to justice.
The State Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, also lauded Ogola’s distinguished service, noting his integrity and calmness in administering justice. She recalled his roles as Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission and Chief Registrar of the Bayelsa State High Court.
“Justice Ogola saw the judiciary not as a platform of power, but a sacred trust for service,” she said.
Mr. Biriyai Dambo (SAN), the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, described Ogola as a pillar of judicial excellence who delivered landmark judgments, particularly in constitutional law and human rights enforcement.
Mr. Felix Okorotie (SAN) expressed concern over the health challenges faced by judicial officers, especially after retirement, and called on the government to introduce special medical packages for both serving and retired judges.
Mr. Clement Kekemeke, Chairman of the Yenagoa branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), encouraged members of the Bar and Bench to preserve Ogola’s legacy of fairness, service, and compassion.
Justice Ogola, who joined the Bayelsa State High Court bench in May 2009, served for a decade before retiring. Post-retirement, he chaired the #EndSARS Judicial Panel of Inquiry and later led the Bayelsa State Physical Planning and Development Tribunal.
His death, speakers agreed, has left a significant void in the state’s legal and civic community.