Joseph Adefarasin
Nigerian lawyer and judge (1921–1989)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Joseph Adetunji Adefarasin (24 April 1921 – 28 March 1989) was a Nigerian lawyer and judge who served as the second Chief Judge of Lagos State from 1 November 1974 until his retirement on 24 April 1985.[1] He was also President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies between 1977 and 1981, becoming the first African to hold the office.[2]
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24 April 1921
Honourable Justice Joseph Adetunji Adefarasin | |
|---|---|
| |
| Chief Judge of Lagos State | |
| In office 1 November 1974 – 24 April 1985 | |
| Preceded by | Gbolahan Elias |
| Succeeded by | Candide Ademola-Johnson |
| President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies | |
| In office 1977–1981 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Joseph Adetunji Adefarasin 24 April 1921 Ijebu Ode, Nigeria |
| Died | 28 March 1989 (aged 67) |
| Spouse | Hilda Adefarasin |
| Children | Wale Adefarasin Bola Adefarasin Yinka Ogundipe Michael Adeyemi Adefarasin Paul Adefarasin |
| Education | University of London |
Awards | Henry Dunant Medal |
Early life and education
Adefarasin was born on 24 April 1921 in Ijebu Ode, present-day Ogun State, Nigeria.[3]
He attended Igbobi College, Lagos, between 1932 and 1939 before studying law at the University of London from 1946 to 1949.[4][5]
Judicial career
Adefarasin was appointed Chief Judge of Lagos State on 1 November 1974. He served until his retirement on 24 April 1985, overseeing judicial administration during a significant period in the development of the Lagos State judiciary.[6]
International Red Cross
From 1977 to 1981, Adefarasin served as President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (then known as the International League of Red Cross Societies). He was the first African elected to the position. In recognition of his humanitarian service, he received the Henry Dunant Medal, the highest distinction awarded within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.[7]
Personal life
Adefarasin was married to Hilda Adefarasin. They had five children, including Paul Adefarasin.[8]