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From Village Farmer to Respected Jurist: The Inspiring Life of Justice Samuel Kehinde Otta
Early Life
Late Retired Justice Samuel Kehinde Otta was born on June 11, 1946, to the family of Mr.
His childhood was shaped by hardship and tragedy, having lost his father at the age of 18 months and his mother at the age of 10. Following the death of his parents, he was raised by his uncle, Oba Silas Obadofin, who became his foster father.
Although he successfully passed his secondary school entrance examination in 1957, financial difficulties prevented him from continuing his education. As a result, he worked as a farmer in his village.
Turning Point
A significant breakthrough came in April 1958 when his brother, David Mayomi, informed him about a government recruitment exercise for apprentice printers for holders of primary school certificates.
He applied, passed the entrance examination, and commenced training on November 1, 1958. Upon completion of his training in 1963, he was employed as a Printer Grade III. Through dedication and hard work, he rose to the position of Printer Grade I before joining the Kwara State Printing and Publishing Corporation in 1973.
Academic Pursuit
Despite securing stable employment, Justice Otta remained passionate about education and self-development. Through correspondence studies with Rapid Results College, he obtained qualifications that enabled him to pursue Advanced Level studies.
His determination eventually earned him admission into Ahmadu Bello University during the 1974/75 academic session to study Law. To focus on his education, he resigned from his job and relied on support from friends as well as a scholarship from the Kwara State Government.
He graduated in 1977 and was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 7, 1978.
Legal and Judicial Career
Justice Otta began his legal career during his National Youth Service Corps with the Rivers State Ministry of Justice.
After completing the service year in 1979, he joined the Kwara State Ministry of Justice as a Pupil State Counsel and steadily rose to the rank of Senior State Counsel I by 1989.
In 1982, he attended a Legislative Drafting course in London to further strengthen his legal expertise.
On April 1, 1989, he was appointed Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of Kwara State. His judicial career advanced further when he was appointed a High Court Judge on August 9, 1990, and sworn in on September 17, 1990.
Following the creation of Kogi State in 1991, he was deployed to serve in his home state, where he worked across several judicial divisions including Obangede, Okene, Isanlu, Kabba, and Lokoja.
In July 2008, he was appointed Acting Chief Judge of Kogi State. He later became the Pioneer President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Kogi State, and was officially sworn in on December 22, 2010.
He retired honorably from service on June 11, 2011.
Family Life
Justice Otta married his wife, Deborah Omoyeni Obanro, on December 27, 1966. Their marriage lasted over 59 years and was built on love, faith, and mutual support.
They were blessed with five children — Babatunde, Titilayo, Simisola, Olorunfemi, and Oluwubusayo — as well as many grandchildren.
He remained deeply committed to ensuring that his children enjoyed better educational opportunities than he had.
Legacy
Justice Samuel Kehinde Otta lived a life defined by humility, integrity, discipline, and unwavering faith in God.
He earned widespread respect for his honesty, compassion, and dedication to justice, irrespective of social status.
His remarkable journey from a village farmer to a distinguished jurist remains a lasting testament to perseverance, determination, and faith.
His story continues to inspire many, proving that difficult beginnings can lead to extraordinary accomplishments through hard work, integrity, and trust in God.
Burial Arrangements
Valedictory Session
Venue: High Court of Justice, Lokoja, Kogi State
Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Time: 10:00am
Wake Keep / Service of Songs
Venue: The Apostolic Church, Lokoja Area Headquarters, Ajara, Lokoja, Kogi State
Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Time: 4:00pm
Funeral / Burial Service
Venue: The Apostolic Church, Lokoja Area Headquarters, Ajara, Lokoja, Kogi State
Date: Friday, May 15, 2026
Time: 10:00am
Reception
Reception follows immediately at Kay-Galaxy Event Center, opposite Civil Defence Office, Lokoja, Kogi State.
Justice Otta is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, associates, and numerous relatives and friends.
Confluence News reporting from the Customary Court of Appeal Headquarters, Lokoja, Kogi State.
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