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
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
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
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
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
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
- ^ "Chief Judge of Lagos State". Lagos Judiciary. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
- ^ a b c d Sesan (11 April 2019). "Lagos judiciary bids late Chief Judge farewell". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
- ^ a b "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.