Christopher Olatunde Segun
Christopher Olatunde Segun | |
|---|---|
| Chief Judge of Lagos State | |
| In office 24 May 1999 – 25 May 2001 | |
| Preceded by | Samuel Omotunde Ilori |
| Succeeded by | Ibitola Adebisi Sotuminu |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 16 March 2019 |
| Education | Studied law in the United Kingdom |
Christopher Olatunde Segun was a Nigerian jurist who served as the Chief Judge of Lagos State between May 1999 and May 2001.[1] After leaving the bench, he was appointed Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).
Background
[edit]Segun was born in Lagos State, Nigeria. Records show that he studied law in the United Kingdom and was called to the English Bar before returning to Nigeria to practise.[2]
Judicial career
[edit]He joined the Nigerian judiciary in the late 1960s and advanced through different positions over several decades.[2] On 24 May 1999, he was appointed Chief Judge of Lagos State, succeeding Samuel Omotunde Ilori.[3] During his period in office, he introduced reforms such as practice directions that reorganised the High Court into specialised divisions from 1 May 2001.[4] He stepped down on 25 May 2001 and was succeeded by Ibitola Adebisi Sotuminu.[3]
Post-judicial career
[edit]Segun later served as Chairman of LASIEC from January 2002 to May 2007, overseeing electoral processes in Lagos State.[5] He also represented the commission in international election observation missions including assignments in the United States.[6]
Legacy
[edit]In December 2019, the Lagos State Government commissioned a court complex in Eti-Osa (Ajah-Badore) named the Christopher Olatunde Segun Courthouse.[7] Legal practitioners described him as a respected jurist noted for his role in improving case assignment and judicial independence.[2]
Death
[edit]Segun died on 16 March 2019 at the age of 86.[2] A valedictory court session was held in his honour, attended by members of the judiciary and government officials.[8]
References
[edit]- ↑ "Chief Judge of Lagos State". Lagos Judiciary. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
- 1 2 3 4 Sesan (11 April 2019). "Lagos judiciary bids late Chief Judge farewell". The Punch. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
- 1 2 "Chief Judge of Lagos State". Lagos Judiciary. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
- ↑ "Lagos High Court Divisions". Lagos Judiciary. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
- ↑ "Past Chairmen – LASIEC". Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
- ↑ Onanuga (9 April 2019). "Garlands for Chief Judge". The Nation. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
- ↑ Adewale, Femi (17 December 2019). "Sanwo-Olu inaugurates High, Magistrate Courts". Freedom Online. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
- ↑ Ubimago, Stephen (11 April 2019). "Bench, Bar Eulogise Late Justice Segun, Former Lagos CJ". Independent. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 26 December 2025.