By: Nicholas Bass
High court judge Justice Ebrima Jaiteh has paid a glowing tribute to the late legal luminary Fafa Edrisa Mbai following his demise on Wednesday, aged 82.
Fafa Mba’s served as the attorney general and minister of justice under former President Yahya Jammeh’s government.
Justice Jaiteh described Fafa M’bai as a mentor and an “extraordinary legal luminary”, describing his departure as a monumental loss not only to the legal fraternity but to the entire country. He pointed out that M’bai was more than a legal practitioner. The high court judge further described the late former justice minister as a national treasure, a man whose “towering intellect, boundless wisdom with unmatched dedication has shaped the legal landscape of The Gambia”.
”His unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law left an indelible mark on our judiciary, our institutions, and our collective pursuit of a just society. He was a fine gentleman of extraordinary excellence, a man of impeccable integrity, and an unwavering advocate for fairness, equity, and legal independence,” Justice Jaiteh stated.
He explained that Mr M’bai’s contributions to the Gambia’s legal development are immeasurable, noting that the late legal luminary played a pioneering role in establishing the annual Legal Year celebrations, which has become a tradition that continues to portray the significance of law, justice, and governance in The Gambia.
Justice Jaiteh recalled that Fafa M’bai initiated massive legal reforms which, according to him, strengthened the judicial system in ensuring access to justice for all Gambians, emphasizing that M’bai’s was instrumental in the creation of the Faculty of Law at the University of The Gambia and the establishment of The Gambia Law School; institutions that continue to produce generations of legal minds dedicated to upholding justice and the rule of law.
”Beyond his professional achievements, Uncle M’bai was a selfless mentor and a guiding pillar for many aspiring lawyers. I had the profound privilege of calling him my godfather in the legal profession, a mentor who shaped my journey in law, instilled in me the values of diligence and excellence, and inspired me to pursue the highest ideals of justice.
“Through his guidance, I became a lawyer, forever indebted to his wisdom and inspiration. He was not just a legal expert; he was an institution, a repository of knowledge, and a man whose impact extended far beyond the courtroom,” Justice Jaiteh said.
Justice Jaiteh stated that The Gambia has lost a beloved son, ”a man whose name will forever be etched in the annals of our history”, adding that M’bai has accomplished “unparalleled service and his dedication and tireless advocacy for legal advancements have left an everlasting impact on our judiciary and national development”.
”His intelligence was immeasurable, his eloquence compelling, and his wisdom unmatched. He was a guiding light in the legal fraternity, a scholar whose profound insights shaped our legal discourse and governance,” said Jaiteh.
”As we mourn this irreplaceable loss, we take solace in the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy of commitment, brilliance, and an unyielding pursuit of justice. His passing is a reminder of the fleeting nature of life, yet his contributions to The Gambia will remain eternal. Today is a sorrowful day for our nation as we bid farewell to an icon of law, justice, and national service,” he added.
