Distinguished jurist of the Oyo State High Court, Hon. Justice Ezekiel Oyeyemi Ajayi, clocks 60 on August 21, 2025. From humble beginnings, through hard work, perseverance, discipline, and deep trust in God, he has risen to become a towering oak in Nigeria’s judiciary.
Beyond the bench, Justice Ajayi has equally distinguished himself in community leadership, authorship, and service in the vineyard of the Lord. He was sworn in as a judge of the Oyo State High Court in 2013 during the administration of Senator Abiola Ajimobi. Since then, he has built an illustrious career anchored on integrity, depth of legal insight, and unwavering commitment to justice. His pronouncements—many of which have been upheld by the Court of Appeal—span civil, criminal, and electoral matters, contributing significantly to jurisprudence and strengthening public faith in the judiciary.
A man of uncommon integrity, Justice Ajayi is renowned for fairness and excellence. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (FICMC) as well as the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb). His expertise has earned him appointments into several judicial and arbitration bodies. Notably, he served as a member of the Oyo State Local Government Election Tribunal (2019) and the Appeal Tribunal (2022), and as Chairman of the Governorship Election Tribunal in Nasarawa State (2023).
A philanthropist at heart, he has touched countless lives, particularly the youth, by supporting career and educational pursuits through assistance and welfare initiatives. At home in Ogbomoso, his leadership and community service have earned him recognition, including the Integrity Award from the Ogbomoso Pivotal Club and the Distinguished Service Award from the Ogbomoso Valiant Club (2023). His 1993 publication, Who is Who in Ogbomoso Township, remains a valuable record of the lives and contributions of prominent sons and daughters of Ogbomoso.
Born on August 21, 1965, into the illustrious Abese Lagbedu chieftaincy family of Ogbomoso South Local Government, he is the son of Pa Emmanuel Ajayi Binutu and Madam Ayoka Olalonpe Ajayi. He began his education at Methodist Primary School, Arowomole, Ogbomoso (1972–1978), and later attended Soun High School, Ogbomoso. He obtained his Higher School Certificate from the Federal School of Arts and Science, Suleja, in 1987, before proceeding to the University of Lagos, where he studied Law (LLB, 1986–1992). He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1993 after completing the Nigerian Law School, Lagos.
Justice Ajayi began his legal career with Agbo Olaleye & Co. in 1994 before establishing his own firm, Yemi Ajayi & Co., in 1998. His sterling record at the Bar paved the way for his elevation to the Bench in 2013.
At 60, Justice Ezekiel Oyeyemi Ajayi stands tall as a man who has lived an exemplary life—at the Bar, on the Bench, and as a community leader. His life remains a source of inspiration, not only to his contemporaries but also to aspiring lawyers and judges who seek success built on integrity, diligence, and service.
Adewuyi Adegbite writes from Ogbomoso.
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