Brief Biography of Late Retired Justice Samuel Kehinde Otta

*Early Life*:
Late Retired Justice Samuel Kehinde Otta was born on 11th June, 1946, into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Otta, humble peasant farmers from Aiyeteju Amuro in Mopa-Muro Local Government Area of Kogi State.

His early life was marked by profound loss, as he lost his father at just 18 months old and his mother at the age of 10. Following these tragedies, he was raised by his uncle, Oba Silas Obadofin, who took him in as a foster father. Due to financial hardship, despite passing his secondary school entrance examination in 1957, he could not continue his education and instead began working as a farmer in his village.

*Turning Point*:
A major turning point came in April 1958 when his brother, David Mayomi, informed him of a government opportunity recruiting primary school certificate holders as apprentice printers. He seized the opportunity, passed the entrance examination, and began training on 1st November 1958. By 1963, he completed his training and was employed as a Printer Grade III. Through dedication and diligence, he rose through the ranks to Printer Grade I and later moved to the Kwara State Printing and Publishing Corporation in 1973.

*Academic Pursuit*:
Despite having a stable job, Justice Otta remained committed to furthering his education. Through correspondence studies with Rapid Results College, he obtained key qualifications, which enabled him to pursue “A” Levels. His persistence paid off when he gained admission into Ahmadu Bello University in the 1974/75 academic session to study Law. He resigned from his job to focus on his studies, supported along the way by friends and a Kwara State Government scholarship. He graduated successfully in 1977 and was called to the Nigerian Bar on 7th July, 1978.

*Legal and Judicial Career*:
Justice Otta began his legal career during his National Youth Service Corps in Rivers State at the Ministry of Justice. After completing his service in 1979, he joined the Kwara State Ministry of Justice as a Pupil State Counsel and steadily rose to Senior State Counsel I by 1989. He also enhanced his expertise with a course in Legislative Drafting in London in 1982.

On April 1, 1989, he was appointed Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of Kwara State. His rise continued when he was appointed a High Court Judge on 9th August 1990 and sworn in on 17th September 1990. Following the creation of Kogi State in 1991, he was deployed to serve in his home state, where he worked in various judicial divisions including Obangede, Okene, Isanlu, Kabba, and Lokoja.

In July 2008, he was appointed Acting Chief Judge of Kogi State. Subsequently, he became the Pioneer President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Kogi State, and was officially sworn in on 22nd December 2010. He retired honorably from this position on 11th June 2011.

*Family Life*:
Justice Otta married his beloved wife, Deborah Omoyeni Obanro, on 27th December 1966. Their marriage, which lasted over 59 years, was marked by love, mutual support, and shared faith. They were blessed with five children—Babatunde, Titilayo, Simisola, Olorunfemi, and Oluwubusayo—and many grandchildren. He was deeply committed to ensuring his children had better educational opportunities than he did.

*Legacy*:
Justice Samuel Kehinde Otta’s life was defined by humility, honesty, and hard work, anchored in strong faith in God. He was widely respected for his integrity, discipline, and compassion for others, regardless of status. His journey from a village farmer to a respected jurist stands as a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and faith.

His life story remains an enduring inspiration—that with perseverance, integrity, and trust in God, even the most difficult beginnings can lead to remarkable achievements.

*BURIAL ARRANGEMENTS*

Valedictory Session
Venue: High Court of Justice, Lokoja, Kogi State
Date: Wednesday, 13th May, 2026
Time: 10:00am

*Wake Keep / Service of Songs*:
Venue: The Apostolic Church, Lokoja Area Headquarters, Ajara, Lokoja, Kogi State
Date: Thursday, 14th May, 2026
Time: 4:00pm

*Funeral / Burial Service*
Venue: The Apostolic Church, Lokoja Area* Headquarters, Ajara, Lokoja, Kogi State
Date: Friday, 15th May, 2026
Time: 10:00am

*Reception*:
Follows immediately at Kay-Galaxy Event Center, opposite Civil Defence Office, Lokoja, Kogi State

He is survived by:
His beloved wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, associates, and a host of relatives and friends.
* *Confluence News Reporting from Customary Court of Appeal Headquarters, Lokoja,Kogi State*