The pioneer Grand Khadi of the Kwara State Shariah Court of Appeal, Justice Abdulkadri Orire is dead. He died on Tuesday at the age of 87.

In a condolence message, Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said the late jurist was an exemplary leader who distinguished himself as an erudite legal scholar, researcher, Muslim community leader and development activist. Part of the message read:

“Today, our state lost of one of its finest jurists, a founding father, and indeed a national statesman, retired Justice Abdul Kadir Orire (CON), who was the pioneer Grand Khadi of the Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal between 1975 and 1999. He died at the ripe age of 87.

“With total submission to the will of Almighty Allah who is the giver and taker of life, I join all our people in Ilorin and across Kwara and Kogi States to mourn the passing of this exemplary leader who distinguished himself as an erudite legal scholar, His roles in the founding of the University of Ilorin and other great institutions stand tall for posterity. Baba would be sorely missed!.”

The late Justice Orire was the Grand Khadi of the Kwara State Shariah Court of Appeal between 1975 and 1999.