A Life of Service, Integrity, Incorruptibility, and Excellence: Celebrating the Appointment of the “Rabbi of Leaders” as INEC Chairman.
Dear Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN,
I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your well-deserved appointment as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This prestigious call to national service is a testament to your impeccable character, profound intellect, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law and participatory democracy.
Reflecting on my time as your student, I remain deeply inspired by the depth, clarity, brilliance, and conviction you brought into every lecture. Your ability to illuminate and distil complex legal doctrines into accessible wisdom not only shaped my academic journey but also strengthened my understanding of jurisprudence, justice, fairness, and the enduring power of law in governance. Your belief in the importance of the rule of law and active citizen engagement has instilled in me a deep respect for our democratic processes.
Your integrity and dedication to ethical leadership set a powerful example for all of us. Even after my studies, your guidance has remained invaluable, constantly reminding me of the importance of these principles in both my professional and personal life.
Over the years, your remarkable journey, from an outstanding scholar to a revered Professor of Law and a distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has been one of consistent excellence, ethical leadership, and service to humanity. You have reached the peak of an illustrious career, adorned with achievements that speak volumes of your integrity, intellect, and patriotism.
As a distinguished legal scholar, accomplished academic administrator, and one of Nigeria’s foremost authorities in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law, you have, over the course of a stellar career spanning more than three decades, combined excellence in scholarship with a deep commitment to institutional leadership and national development.
Your unmatched capacity for service has seen you occupy several pivotal positions within and beyond the university system. At the University of Jos, where you began your academic career in 1989, you have held some of the institution’s most strategic offices, including Head of the Department of Public Law (2006 – 2008), Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008 – 2014), and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012 – 2014). You currently serve as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University, a role that underscores your reputation as a disciplined and visionary administrator.
Beyond your university service, your contributions to education governance and national policy have been equally remarkable. As the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State, you have provided strategic direction and oversight that have left an enduring impact on the institution. You have also served as a member of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) and as a member of the Council of Legal Education, the statutory body responsible for regulating legal education in Nigeria, from 2008 to 2014.
In recognition of your professional excellence and depth of expertise, you were conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in September 2014, the highest honour and pinnacle of achievement in the Nigerian legal profession. Despite your already demanding career, your influence extends into the private sector, where you have contributed significantly to corporate leadership and governance. You currently serve as a board member of Integrated Dairies Limited, Vom, and previously served on the board of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja (1996 – 2004). Your advisory roles in these organisations reflect your extensive knowledge of corporate law and governance practices.
As a prolific author, thought leader, and indeed, a rabbi of leaders, you have published extensively in your areas of expertise. Your works, Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008), Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008), Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013), Principles of Company Law (2013), and An Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014), have become authoritative references for scholars, practitioners, and students of law across Nigeria.
With such a towering legacy, there is no doubt that INEC, under your leadership, will experience a new dawn of credibility, transparency, and efficiency. I am confident that your tenure will strengthen our electoral system, restore public confidence, and uphold the sanctity of the people’s will, values you have always championed with conviction.
Once again, congratulations, sir, on this well-deserved and noble appointment. I am confident that you will lead with the same passion and commitment that have defined your career, fostering a transparent and participatory electoral process.
May your stewardship mark a defining chapter in the history of Nigeria’s democracy.
Warmest regards,
Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, OON, SAN
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ondo State.
