CJN, dignitaries honour Justice Galumje’s wife at Abuja burial rites

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Saturday led a distinguished gathering of eminent Nigerians to the Service of Songs held in honour of the late Mrs. Zeporah Galumje, wife of retired Supreme Court Justice, Hon. Justice Paul Adamu Galumje.

The solemn event, which marked the beginning of a series of burial rites, took place at the Christian Reformed Church Nigeria in Apo, Abuja, drawing a large congregation of family, friends, judiciary stakeholders, and dignitaries from across the country.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, accompanied by her husband, Prince Akin Kekere-Ekun, was joined by other notable Justices of the Supreme Court, including Justices Festus Ogbunyia, Helen Ogunwumiju, and Stephen Jonah Adah.

Also present was a delegation from the Police Service Commission (PSC), led by Justice Christy Lara Dabup (rtd), a colleague of Justice Galumje and Honourable Commissioner at the Commission.

In an emotional tribute, Justice Galumje recounted his enduring marital journey with his late wife, whom he married on July 30, 1977. “We promised each other till death do us part,” he said, expressing gratitude to God that their promise remained intact until her passing on June 4, 2025.

He described his late wife as a peace-loving woman, recalling that she often chose silence during disagreements. “Her message to women is simple—keep quiet when your husband is angry,” he noted.

The bereaved jurist also expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for personally reaching out to commiserate with him, and for sending Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit him at home.

Rev. Dr. Mark Ato Yohanna delivered a message of hope during the service, while prayers were led by Rev. Daniel Eska-Uten Yohanna, Chairman of the Christian Reformed Church.

The first and second Bible readings were delivered by the children of the deceased—Barrister Emocha Paul Galumje and Emoseh Paul Galumje, respectively.

The funeral journey continues as the remains of Mrs. Galumje will depart Abuja for Jalingo, Taraba State, on Thursday, June 19, 2025. A wake-keep will hold at her residence on Justice Paul Galumje Street, followed by a Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International event on Friday, June 20. She will lie in state that same day and be transported to Didan Village for final burial rites and interment on Saturday, June 21.

Among the dignitaries at the Abuja service were Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, Elder Obada Ando, Elder Seth Ika’a, Elder Usman Kaigama, senior advocates Lawal N. Akirikwen, Lawal Rabana, D.D. Dodo, and Emman Bala, as well as AIG H. Karma (rtd), Justice Josephine Tuturu, Hon. Sam Ada, Hon. Danjuma Shidi, and several others.

Mrs. Zeporah Paul Galumje was born in 1958 and passed away on June 4, 2025. She is remembered for her quiet strength, humility, and unwavering devotion to her family and faith.