September 17, 2018
Wreath laying: President Bio pays his last respect to the late judge
President Bio signs the Book of Condolence
President Julius Maada Bio joined thousands last Friday to mourn the death of Justice Aiah Daniel Konoyima at the Civic Laying Out Ceremony and Signing of the Book of Condolence at Miatta Conference Hall in Freetown.
Delivering a tribute on behalf of the government, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Ms Priscilla Schwartz described the late judge as an illustrious and resourceful man who lived his life serving his nation. She said he was an example worthy of emulation because of his kind heart to helping humanity.
“He was one of Sierra Leone’s brilliant legal minds who had played an important role in the legal and judicial service in this country. He was always ready to help others and was a man of repute who carried out his work independently. He is a big loss and will definitely be missed for his professionalism,” she ended.
Justice Konoyima, who passed away on Monday, 27th September, was a renowned statesman who served as State Counsel for many years before he was appointed Administrator and Registrar-General in the Office of the Administrator and Registrar General. He also served as First Secretary of the Political Parties Registration Commission before he was appointed Judge of the High Court of Sierra Leone, where he retired and returned to his native home district of Kono.
Before his death, Justice Konoyima had just been nominated by the Attorney-General, subject to presidential approval, to serve on one of the Commissions of Inquiry being set-up to look into findings contained in the Governance Transition Team Report and other possible infractions of the former government.
Also in attendance were Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr (OBE), Chief Justice Abdulai Hamid Charm, and several patrons and national executive officials of the Sierra Leone People’s Party.