By Judiciary of Sierra Leone Communications Unit
Led by the Hon. Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Justices of the Court of Judicature visited the bereaved family of the late Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Desmond Edgar Fashole Luke.
Speaking at their Spur Loop residence at Wilberforce in Freetown, the Hon. Chief Justice, His Lordship Desmond Babatunde Edwards said they were there to sympathise, console and offer prayers for the late Chief Justice.
“Like others before him, the late Chief Justice did his best to bring sustainable reforms at the Judiciary,” said Justice Edwards, adding that, “our prayers are with you during this irreparable loss, so accept our deepest condolences.”
He said the late man served as Chief Justice of Sierra Leone between March, 1998 and May 2002. He disclosed that the Judiciary will open a Book of Condolence in honour of the late Chief Justice Luke on Tuesday 23rd March, 2021 at 10am at the High Court No. 1 where the book will remain open until the day of his final interment on Friday, 26th March, 2021.
In his tribute, Supreme Court Judge, Justice Nicholas Browne-Marke, said the late Chief Justice was a respectable Diplomat who was appointed by late President Siaka Stevens as Ambassador to West Germany to open relationship with Sierra Leone. He said he practiced as a successful lawyer even before his appointment as a Chief Justice.
He said the late Chief Justice is credited for establishing the first Industrial Court and operation ‘clean the City.’
On behalf of the bereaved family, Gelaga King Esq. said the late Chief Justice wouldn’t be given a civic burial in adherence of the Covid 19 precautionary measures. Aside from that, he said he would be given a befitting burial. He also commended the current Chief Justice, Justice D.B. Edwards and the entire Judiciary for consoling the bereaved family.
The widow, Mrs. Monica Luke said the country has lost a great son of the soil whose contributions to national development was immeasurable. She thanked the Justices for sympathizing with them during such difficult moment.