President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of a former Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Adam Ochume Onum, who died at the age of 73.
Onum reportedly died on Thursday, November 5, 2026, following a protracted illness.
The President described the late jurist as an accomplished legal practitioner, public servant and community leader who dedicated his life to the administration of justice and service to humanity.
Tinubu’s condolence message was contained in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The President extended his condolences to Onum’s wife, Vivien, his family, the Benue State Judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Idoma nation and the people of Benue State.
He said, “The passing of Hon. Justice Adam Ochume Onum is a profound loss to Benue State and our nation.
“Justice Onum lived a life of distinction, service and dedication. He devoted many years to administering justice. He rose through the ranks of the legal profession to become Chief Judge of Benue State, an achievement that reflected his professional competence, experience and commitment to public service.”
Tinubu noted that the late judge’s contributions extended beyond the judicial offices he occupied, adding that his efforts towards strengthening institutions and serving communities would remain an inspiration.
“His life reminds us that the true legacy of service is not simply the positions we occupy but the institutions we strengthen, the opportunities we create and the lives we positively touch,” he added.
Onum began his public service career with the Ministry of Justice in Akure, Ondo State, during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme after graduating from the University of Lagos.
He subsequently served as a magistrate in Vandeikya, Benue State, between 1980 and 1982 before becoming a member of the Benue State House of Assembly in 1983.
He later established Eko & Onum Chambers in Otukpo, where he provided legal services and contributed to the development of the legal profession in his community.
Between 1988 and 1991, he served as Solicitor-General of Benue State, as well as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
In 1991, he was appointed a judge of the Benue State High Court, where he served for more than two decades before eventually becoming Chief Judge.
According to the statement, Onum was the first person from the Idoma ethnic group to occupy the office of Chief Judge of Benue State since the state’s creation in 1976.
Tinubu prayed for the repose of the late jurist’s soul and asked God to grant his family and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
He also expressed hope that Onum’s legacy would continue to inspire members of the legal profession and others committed to justice, education, community development and service to humanity.
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