Says his death has left an indelible vacuum in the judiciary
The Chief Judge of Cross River State, Hon. Justice Akon B. Ikpeme, has commiserated with Abuja-based lawyer and Managing Partner of Confidence Mbang Legal, Confidence Mbang, Esq., and his family over the death of his father, Late Chief Magistrate Bassey Efoli Mbang (Rtd.).
In a condolence letter dated July 17, 2026, Justice Ikpeme said the news of the retired Chief Magistrate’s death was received with great shock by the entire Cross River State Judiciary family.
The Chief Judge described the late magistrate as a judicial officer whose influence continued even after his retirement, particularly through his mentorship of younger members of the Lower Bench and the legal profession.
“The sad news of the demise of your beloved father Late Chief Magistrate Bassey Efoli Mbang (Rtd) was received with great shock by the entire Judiciary Family,” the letter stated.
Justice Ikpeme said the deceased’s passing had created a significant vacuum not only in his immediate family but also within the judiciary where he had served.
“His death no doubt, has left an indelible vacuum in your dear family as well as in the Judiciary, because even though he had retired, he remained a mentor to younger ones in the Lower Bench and in the Legal Profession,” she said.
The Chief Judge urged Confidence Mbang and members of his family to draw strength from the fulfilled life their father lived and the positive legacies he left behind.
“Mourning the death of a loved one is relatable therefore I beseech you and the entire family not to mourn as agnostics, but to be consoled by the fact that he has merely transited from this earthly realm into a heavenly one,” Justice Ikpeme stated.
She added: “Please take solace in the fulfilled life he lived and the positive tracks he left behind. May the good legacies he left behind guide you his dearly family in your earthly endeavours.”
Justice Ikpeme, speaking on behalf of the Conference of Judges, Magistrates and the entire Cross River State Judiciary family, prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul.
“On behalf of the Conference of Judges, Magistrates and the entire Judiciary family, I pray that the soul of Late Chief Magistrate Bassey Efoli Mbang (Rtd.) find eternal rest in the bosom of the Almighty God,” she said.
“Please accept our condolences.”
The condolence letter was personally signed by Justice Ikpeme in her capacity as Chief Judge of Cross River State and addressed to Confidence Mbang at his law firm, Confidence Mbang Legal, Grace Chambers, Abuja.
Responding to the gesture, Confidence Mbang expressed profound appreciation to the Chief Judge and the entire Cross River State Judiciary for standing with his family during the period of bereavement.
He said the Chief Judge’s words, particularly her acknowledgement of his father’s years of service and mentorship to members of the Bench, had brought considerable comfort to the family.
“I thank the Judicial family in Cross River State for standing by me in this hard time,” Mbang said.
“Your Lordship’s kind words, and the recognition of my father’s years of dedicated service and mentorship to the Bench, brought great comfort to me and my family in this season of loss.”
He said the family remained deeply grateful for what he described as a gesture of solidarity from the judiciary his late father served with distinction.
“We are deeply grateful for this gesture of solidarity from the Judiciary he served with distinction,” Mbang added.
He also extended the family’s profound appreciation and prayers to the Chief Judge for identifying with them during their period of mourning.
Late Chief Magistrate Bassey Efoli Mbang had served in the Cross River State Judiciary before his retirement and, according to the Chief Judge, continued to mentor younger judicial officers and members of the legal profession after leaving active service.
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