Honourable Justice Josiah Joe Majebi is an eminent jurist, administrator, and reform‑driven leader whose life and career embody integrity, excellence, and unwavering commitment to justice. Born on 29th June 1959 in Okene, he began his educational journey at St. Paul’s ILEA School, Okengwe in 1972, and later proceeded to Igbirra Anglican College, Okene, where he obtained his West African School Certificate in 1977. As stated in the document, he “started his Primary School education at St. Paul’s I. L.E.A. School in Okengwe in 1972” and completed secondary school in 1977.
His passion for law led him to the Kwara State College of Technology, Ilorin, where he earned a Diploma in Law in 1980, followed by an LLB (Hons.) from the University of Jos in 1983. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1984 after completing the Nigerian Law School, Lagos.
Justice Majebi began his legal career with the Kwara State Ministry of Justice in 1986, rising through the ranks until the creation of Kogi State in 1991. He continued his service in the new state as State Counsel I and progressed to Principal Legal Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Deputy Director of Civil Litigation, Acting Director of Legal Drafting, and Acting Director of Public Prosecution. His distinguished service culminated in his appointment as a Judge of the High Court of Justice, Kogi State, in 1999. The document confirms that he “was sworn‑in as a Judge of the Kogi State High Court of Justice… in 1999.”
On 26th June 2022, he was appointed Acting Chief Judge of Kogi State and was confirmed as the substantive Chief Judge on 3rd March 2023.
Throughout his judicial career, Justice Majebi has served in multiple High Court divisions—Isanlu, Idah, Okene, and Lokoja—demonstrating versatility, fairness, and deep legal insight. He has also served the state and nation in numerous judicial commissions, tribunals, and committees, including election petition tribunals across Jigawa, Osun, Abia, Lagos, Anambra, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Cross River States.
A fearless advocate of transparency and accountability, he has been the designated judge for corruption cases in Kogi State since 2008. The document notes his “uncommon and uncompromising stance against corruption” and his long‑standing role in handling corruption matters.
Justice Majebi’s excellence has earned him multiple commendations. The National Judicial Council commended him twice—in 2008 and 2009—for delivering an exceptional number of judgments despite tribunal duties. The Court of Appeal, through Hon. Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa (Rtd.), also praised his “appreciable and commendable role played in 2019 Election Tribunal.”
As Chief Judge, he has transformed the Kogi State Judiciary through institutional reforms, infrastructural upgrades, and staff welfare improvements. Under his leadership, inherited debts were cleared, the Judicial Service Commission was restructured, the Area Court Law was modernized, and new directorates—including Staff Welfare, Revenue Services, and Audit—were established. The document affirms that “the inherited debts have all been fully paid off” under his prudent financial management.
He also established the Council of Judges, a pioneering body that has strengthened unity, integrity, and administrative coherence within the judiciary. His tenure has seen the renovation of key courtrooms, improved power supply to the judiciary headquarters, and significant increases in case returns and revenue.
Beyond the bench, Justice Majebi is a devoted Christian, a Jerusalem Pilgrim, and a long‑serving pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), where he has held numerous leadership roles since 1997. His philanthropic contributions have earned him recognition from churches, communities, and organizations, including being decorated as an Ambassador of Peace by the African Theological Education Network in 2013.
A widely travelled jurist who enjoys reading and table tennis, Justice Majebi continues to serve with distinction, with five more years remaining in his tenure as Chief Judge. His leadership has elevated the integrity, efficiency, and accessibility of justice across Kogi State.
