President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of former Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Adam Ochume Onum, describing him as a distinguished jurist whose contributions to the judiciary and public service would be remembered.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, November 6, 2026, saying Tinubu extended his condolences to the deceased wife, Vivien, family, the Benue State Judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association and the Idoma nation.
Onum, who died at the age of 73, was also remembered for his contributions to the development of Benue State and the legal profession.
The late jurist began his 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 later served as a magistrate in Vandeikya between 1980 and 1982 before becoming a member of the Benue State House of Assembly in 1983.
He subsequently established Eko & Onum Chambers in Otukpo, where he practised law before serving as Solicitor-General, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Benue State between 1988 and 1991.
Onum was appointed a judge of the Benue State High Court in 1991 and served for more than two decades before becoming Chief Judge.
He made history as the first person from the Idoma ethnic group to occupy the position since the creation of Benue State in 1976.
Reacting to his death, Tinubu said, “The passing of Hon. Justice Adam Ochume Onum is a profound loss to Benue State and our nation.”
The President described the late judicial officer as a man who dedicated his life to justice and public service, noting that his rise to the position of Chief Judge reflected his competence, experience and commitment to the legal profession.
He added, “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.”
Tinubu, on behalf of the Federal Government and Nigerians, extended his condolences to the bereaved family, the judiciary and the people of Benue State.
He prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and strength for his family, colleagues and loved ones to bear the loss.