Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia expressed deep grief over the death of former Chief Judge Adam Ochume Onum, who passed away on Thursday, 5 November 2026. The announcement was made on Friday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula.
In a statement, Governor Alia described Onum’s passing as a painful loss for Benue State and the Nigerian judiciary, noting that the former judge’s contributions to the legal profession and the administration of justice would not be forgotten.
Onum’s tenure is remembered for a historic milestone: in December 2017 he became the first person of Idoma origin to serve as Chief Judge of Benue State since the state’s creation in 1976.
Governor Alia praised the late jurist’s integrity, courage and dedication to upholding justice. He quoted:
“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.”He added:
“His contributions to state commissions and national Election Petition Tribunals further demonstrated his dedication to public service.”
The Governor extended his condolences to Onum’s immediate family, the Idoma nation, the Benue State Judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association and the people of the state. He prayed for God’s comfort and strength for all who mourn and asked God to grant the former judge eternal rest.
Alia concluded that Onum’s record of service and his contributions to the development of Benue State would remain a lasting legacy for future generations.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
