Sotonye Denton-West

Sotonye Denton-West is a Nigerian judge and first woman who presided as chief judge of the High Court of Rivers State, Nigeria. She was the first woman to serve as judge from Rivers State who was appointed to the court of appeal.

Quotes

• This court has been inundated by applications mostly overtaken by events and before the highest court of the land. If the rule of law is not respected, this will lead to anarchy. The court has no jurisdiction. A judgement has been executed. A motion of stay of execution will amount to academic exercise. There is no live issue to be determined by this court. The court is obligated to strike out the application and all other ancillaries. There are hereby struck out.
• Sotonye spoke about jurisdiction PM News
• How we treat those who can’t fight back, should matter. It is only when this culture is imbibed that the Rule of Law would be restored. The Bar and the Bench must join hands to cleanse our profession. Let us revert to the hallowed traditions of integrity, fairness and steadfast diligence that was the stock in trade of the legal profession.
  • Sotonye talked about oppressing others PUO Reports
• The Nigerian judiciary in the past has been one of the greatest in the world, but it is time to relive and embrace the rule of law in its entirety. It seems only lip service is paid to this great doctrine. It is essential that the rule of law must be observed in order for society to run smoothly, otherwise the beauty of democracy will elude us.
  • Sotonye spoke at her retirement Premium times

Quotes about Sotonye Denton-West

• Justice Sotonye Denton-West is a first in her own right. She is the first female lawyer, first female judge and first female acting Chief judge of the High Court of Rivers State. She is also the first female indigene of Rivers State to be appointed to the Court of Appeal.
  • Bulkachuwa's Appraisal of Sotonye at her retirement Vanguard
• Justice Denton-West was the most senior judge in the Rivers State judiciary then, yet the NJC did not compel the governor at the time to announce her as Chief Judge.
  • Ibim Semenitari comment on how judiciary body in Rivers state New Mail