The late Justice Joseph Shagbaor Ikyegh, Presiding Justice of the Port Harcourt Division of the Court of Appeal, has passed away.
Reports indicate that the distinguished jurist collapsed suddenly at his residence following a phone conversation.
Born on March 17, 1958, in Konshisha LGA of Benue State, Ikyegh graduated from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) and was admitted to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1980.
Beginning his judicial career, he was appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Benue State on March 27, 1991, a position he held until his elevation to the Court of Appeal on July 16, 2010.
Notably, Justice Ikyegh served on the 2019 Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal, contributing to the dismissal of Atiku Abubakar and the PDP’s petition, affirming the election of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.
He also chaired the panel that allowed the LP and PDP to inspect BVAS machines and electoral documents after the 2023 General Election.
Recently, he delivered the majority judgment confirming Dapo Abiodun as the Governor of Ogun State. Despite being part of the 22-man list for promotion interviews to the Apex Court, he ranked 10th in seniority at the Appellate Court.
Justice Ikyegh’s legacy spans over three decades, marked by contributions to legal jurisprudence and public service. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
