Innah Lillah Wa Innah ilaihim Raji’un.
Tears flow ceaselessly on this holy day of Eid as we mourn the passing of late Justice Ahmad Belgore (rtd), one of Nigeria’s finest jurists of the Court of Appeal. He once served as Chief Justice of a West African country, revolutionizing their judiciary.
A man with a passion for historical documentation, he guided me during my research for “The Judicial Path,” a biography of Justice SMA Belgore, GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria and a Master of the Inner Temple of Great Britain. Our journey took us from Kuo in Ilorin to “Wuro Yasi” in Bunza, Kebbi State, where the late jurist marveled at my determination to unearth family history buried over three centuries, dubbing me “the iron lady.”
We received a warm welcome from the people, with HRH Mustapha Sarkin Bunza extending fabled Fulbe hospitality. The late jurist stayed with us, aiding my work. Without his input, I doubt I could have produced such a “masterpiece” praised by late Justice Kayode Osho in the Foreword.
During the research, I uncovered the real name of the Belgores’ forebear, Sheikh Muhammadu “Begore,” meaning a scholar of distinction- who played a pivotal role in establishment of Sharia law after the Jihad. His mother was also a great scholar of repute. She was a waliyya and her grave is within the community and people go there to pray for her.
It was humbling experience listening to the peoples testament of their history and making notes of the background of the exceptional sedimentary families who have evolved a rich bagara culture over centuries. Late Justice Belgore’s ancestral roots trace back to these noble Fulbe families. They bestowed upon me a traditional title which I have never used outside of their town. One remarkable thing was that the late jurist always proudly addressed me with that title.
Late Justice Ahmad Belgore is directly descended from an esteemed lineage of jurists and scholars in an unbroken chain of ancestors.
Justice Ahmad Belgore sadly passed away after completing the 30 days of fasting without issue.
May Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him the reward of his ibadah and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus alongside his forebearers.
Allahumma Amin
May Allah grant comfort and strength to his wives, children, the head of the Belgore Family, and the larger family
Amin Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum. 🙏🏾
Signed
Hauwa Imam, PhD, FCCEAM, Director Institute of Education.
University of Abuja
