Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has mourned the death of former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Adam Ochume Onum, describing his passing as a major loss to the state and the Nigerian judiciary.
Justice Onum died on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
In a condolence statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, the governor said the late jurist would be remembered for his contributions to the development of Benue State’s legal and judicial institutions.
Alia particularly recalled that Justice Onum made history in December 2017 when he became the first person of Idoma extraction to occupy the office of Chief Judge of Benue State since the state’s creation in 1976.
He described the achievement as a significant milestone in the history of the state, noting that the late judicial officer distinguished himself through integrity, courage and commitment to the administration of justice.
The governor said Justice Onum’s contributions extended beyond his judicial responsibilities to service on state commissions and national Election Petition Tribunals, demonstrating his dedication to public service.
“Justice Onum was a distinguished legal practitioner and judicial officer whose contributions to the development of the state’s legal and judicial institutions will remain part of Benue’s history,” Alia said.
The governor extended his condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the Idoma nation, the Benue State Judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association and the people of the state.
He prayed to God to grant the bereaved family and all those affected by the loss the strength to bear the painful departure.
Alia also prayed for the repose of the late jurist’s soul, stressing that his legacy of service and contributions to the growth of Benue State would remain indelible.
