Gov Alia mourns former Benue Chief Judge, Justice Adam Onum
Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has expressed his condolences following the death of former Chief Judge Justice Adam Ochume Onum, who passed away on November 5, 2026.
In a statement released on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia described Onum’s passing as a significant loss for both Benue State and the Nigerian judiciary. The governor acknowledged the late jurist’s numerous contributions to the legal profession and the administration of justice.
Justice Onum made history in December 2017 when he became the first individual of Idoma descent to serve as Chief Judge of Benue State since its establishment in 1976. Governor Alia noted Onum’s exemplary record on the bench, which was marked by integrity and a commitment to upholding justice.
“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. He highlighted Onum’s involvement in state commissions and national Election Petition Tribunals as further evidence of his dedication to public service.
The governor extended his sympathies to Onum’s family, the Idoma nation, the Benue State Judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association, and all residents of the state. He prayed for comfort and strength for those in mourning and asked for eternal rest for the former Chief Judge.
Alia concluded by stating that Justice Onum’s legacy of service and contributions to the development of Benue State would endure.
