Exclusive: Justice George Oguntade Honored as UNILAG Renovates Law Annex in His Name
Justice George Adesola Oguntade’s legacy of integrity, service, philanthropy, and erudition received a fresh and visible tribute as the Faculty of Law at the University of Lagos unveiled a newly renovated 400-seater annex hall in his honour.
The event, held directly in front of the refurbished structure, drew an array of distinguished dignitaries, legal minds, alumni, family members, and benefactors who gathered to celebrate both the transformation of the facility and the towering legacy of the retired Supreme Court jurist.
Among those present were the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola; the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Abiola Sanni, SAN; Chief George M. Oguntade, SAN; the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba; Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN; former Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Professor Olanrewaju Fagbohun, SAN; Prince I. Nwafuru and members of Justice Oguntade’s family including Babajide Oguntade and Barrister Bose Oguntade Owuru; Mrs. Ajala; Mrs Adeola Ayorinde-Oguntade and the honouree himself, Justice Adesola Oguntade.
The renovation of the annex building was made possible through the generosity of distinguished alumni and donors: Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala, Esq; Olayinka Ajenifuja, Esq; Femi Oyewole, SAN; Hon. Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, commissioner of waterfront; Mr. Kingsley Okpala, ESV; Omotayo Oyewole; Michael Ojomo, Esq; Olukayode Adegbola, Esq; Arc. Tosin Adeoye; and Afolakemi Ogunde, Esq.
Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala, Esq, is also the Head of Wise View Chambers.
Addressing guests at the ceremony, the Dean of Law, Professor Abiola Sanni, explained the critical importance of the annex hall to the academic life of law students. He revealed that the structure hosts several compulsory courses for students but had suffered years of deterioration, including severe roof leaks and structural issues that made learning uncomfortable.
He expressed deep appreciation to the donors for undertaking what he described as a thorough and professional renovation that has restored dignity to the learning environment and greatly improved conditions for students and staff.
Speaking on behalf of the donors, Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala, Esq, shared a deeply personal reflection on why the project meant so much to them as alumni of the faculty. He narrated how Justice Oguntade personally wrote his recommendation letter that facilitated his admission into UNILAG and how the retired jurist consistently supported him and the faculty over the years financially, morally, and through his presence at faculty events.
According to him, the renovation was both an investment in the future of law students and a heartfelt tribute to a man whose life has shaped countless legal careers. He described the project as “helping the future while honouring the past.”
Several other dignitaries praised the donors for their generosity and paid glowing tributes to Justice Oguntade’s lifelong contributions to the legal profession, education, mentorship, and national development. Prayers were also offered for his continued good health and enduring impact.
The highlight of the event was the formal unveiling of the renovated 400-seater annex hall, after which guests were taken on a guided tour of the upgraded facility to witness the transformation firsthand.
Justice Oguntade’s journey from his early days in Epe, Lagos State, to his elevation to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, and later service as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom — has long been marked by excellence, humility, philanthropy, mentorship, and service. This honour at UNILAG adds a physical monument to a legacy already deeply etched in Nigeria’s legal history.
For students who will now attend lectures within the refurbished walls, the building stands not only as a functional academic space but as a daily reminder of the values of discipline, integrity, and service that Justice Oguntade represents.
We at The Royal Times were present to cover this remarkable event. We commend the donors for their generosity and join the legal community in celebrating a truly great man Justice George Adesola Oguntade.