The immediate past President of the Delta State Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Patience Onuwa Elumeze, has passed away, two years after her retirement from service.
Justice Elumeze, who was in her 60s, reportedly died in Abuja on Tuesday after a brief illness. Sources within the Delta State judiciary confirmed the news on Wednesday, revealing that she had been receiving treatment at a hospital before her death.
Appointed in November 2020 by then-Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as Acting President of the Delta State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Elumeze was formally sworn in as substantive President in June 2021. She served in that capacity until her retirement in April 2023.
During her tenure, Justice Elumeze was widely commended for her leadership, administrative reforms, and commitment to the speedy dispensation of justice.
When our correspondent visited the Customary Court of Appeal headquarters along High Court Road, Asaba, staff and lawyers were seen discussing her passing.
Some court staff, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described her death as a huge loss to the judiciary, remembering her as a kind, dedicated, and compassionate leader who worked tirelessly to promote justice and staff welfare.
