A Nigerian, Justice Olugbenga Soyele has emerged as the first African judge in Canada

By Tunde Adeleke

Though, details of his background were sketchy as at the time of filing this report, Justice Soyele, 62, is of Yorùbá extraction from South-West, Nigeria. Described as a brilliant gentleman by his friends, he attended Obafemi Awolowo University, Ilé-Ifè (formerly University of Ifè) for his first degree programme.

Justice Soyele was at different times a Queen’s Counsel and King’s Counsel.

Friends and relations thronged the Alberta venue of the swearing-in, from Nigeria, to celebrate with him.