Lagos Judiciary in Mourning as Serving High Court Judge, Justice Josephine Oyefeso, Dies
The Lagos State Judiciary has been thrown into mourning following the death of a serving High Court judge, Justice Josephine Efunkumbi Oyefeso. Her passing was confirmed by her family in an official notice.
Justice Oyefeso was described by her family as a kind and strong woman who touched many lives. The announcement was signed by her relatives, Wole, Tish, Tito, and Tami.
Following her death, all activities at the Lagos State High Court were suspended on Monday, May 18, 2026, as a mark of respect for the late judge.
Court users, lawyers, and visitors who arrived at different court divisions in Lagos were met with closed courtrooms, as judges did not sit for scheduled hearings.
A court official, who spoke anonymously, said the suspension of court sittings followed standard judicial practice when a serving judge dies.
The official added that the judiciary was deeply shocked by the news and that the decision was made to honour her service.
Before her death, Justice Oyefeso served in different divisions of the Lagos State High Court, including civil, family, and probate courts.
She was respected by lawyers and colleagues for her fairness, discipline, and strong understanding of the law.
Members of the legal community in Lagos have continued to express sadness, describing her as both strict in court and compassionate in her judgments.
The judiciary is expected to announce new hearing dates for affected cases, while plans are being made for her formal valedictory court session.