Kwara State is draped in grief following the passing of a legal giant, Justice Ahmad Belgore, a retired Judge of the Court of Appeal. News of his death, at the ripe age of 71, sent shockwaves through the state on Tuesday night.
Justice Belgore wasn’t one to overstay his welcome. He bowed out gracefully last year upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70. However, his impact on the legal system will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, never one to mince words, expressed his deep sorrow at Justice Belgore’s passing. The Governor extended his heartfelt condolences not only to the Belgore family, who’ve lost a treasured member, but also to the entire Ilorin Emirate, a community Justice Belgore clearly held dear. In a touching gesture, the Governor implored the Almighty to grant Justice Belgore forgiveness for any transgressions, eternal paradise (al-Jannah Firdaus), and strength to the grieving family and all those who admired the esteemed jurist.
Sharing the Governor’s sentiment, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, offered his own words of tribute. The Emir, clearly emotional, described Justice Belgore as an irreplaceable loss, not just for the Ilorin Emirate, but for the entire nation. He hailed Justice Belgore as one of the finest legal minds the Emirate has ever produced, a man who significantly contributed to the advancement of the judiciary and, by extension, humanity as a whole. Echoing the Governor’s sentiments, the Emir offered prayers for Justice Belgore’s good deeds to be acknowledged, his shortcomings forgiven by Allah, and for him to be granted eternal peace in Al-Janatul Firdaus.
Justice Belgore’s passing leaves a void in the legal community. Whether you lean left or right, one thing is undeniable: he was a force to be reckoned with, a true pillar of justice. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of legal eagles.
