Nigerians in the diaspora continue to break barriers and make remarkable contributions across various fields, and Judge Edirin Okoloko stands as a testament to this legacy.
Born in Nigeria, Okoloko has built an exceptional legal career in the United States, where he now serves as a Superior Court Judge in Snohomish County, Washington. His journey from Nigeria to the U.S. judiciary is a story of resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Edirin Okoloko was born in Benin City, Nigeria, the fourth of six children. Raised in a family that valued education and empathy, he was deeply influenced by his parents. His mother instilled in him the importance of love, compassion, and seeing the humanity in others, while his father, a professor of molecular biology, inspired his curiosity and work ethic.
Initially considering a career in medicine, Okoloko's path changed when he witnessed the military’s intervention in Nigeria’s democratic system and the resulting human rights abuses. This pivotal moment ignited his passion for law and justice.
Okoloko earned his law degree from the University of Benin, Nigeria. In his final year of law school in 1998, he won the Diversity Visa Lottery, which allowed him to immigrate to the United States and eventually become a U.S. citizen. Determined to advance his legal career, he obtained a second law degree with honors from Seattle University.
Following law school, he served as a Judicial Law Clerk to Judge Michael Downes of the Snohomish County Superior Court before being recruited by the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office.
Over 13 years as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, he handled some of the county’s most challenging cases, including homicides, sexual assaults, elder abuse, and child abuse. He was also a key member of the Snohomish County Multi-Agency Response Team (S.M.A.R.T.), which investigates law enforcement use-of-force incidents. His outstanding work earned him the Clerk’s Choice Award in 2007 and 2008 for his professionalism and courtesy.
In 2018, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee appointed Okoloko as a Superior Court Judge, selecting him from a competitive field of applicants. His dedication and fairness earned him the trust of the community, and he was subsequently retained by voters in both 2020 and 2024. In recognition of his excellence on the bench, the Snohomish County Bar Association honored him as Judge of the Year in 2024, and in 2022, he was voted as one of the top two judges in the county.
Judge Okoloko is known for treating everyone with dignity, respect, and fairness. He brings the same integrity to the bench that he demonstrated throughout his legal career, making him a respected figure in the Washington State judiciary.
Beyond the courtroom, Judge Okoloko is passionate about mentorship and diversity in the legal profession. He volunteers with the Judicial Institute Clinic, which works to diversify Washington’s judiciary, as well as the YMCA High School Mock Trial Competition and the Honorable Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum, where he served as the keynote speaker in 2022.
Judge Okoloko lives in Edmonds, Washington, with his wife, a clinical social worker, and their two children. His wife is actively involved in community service, working with organizations that address homelessness, substance use disorders, mental health, and racial inequities. Together, they are committed to making a difference in their community, raising their children with the same values of compassion, service, and justice.
Judge Edirin Okoloko’s journey from Benin City, Nigeria, to the Snohomish County Superior Court is an inspiring example of what is possible with determination and hard work. His story is a reminder that Nigerians in the diaspora continue to make significant contributions globally, excelling in fields like law, medicine, business, and technology.
As Nigerians continue to shape the world with their talent and resilience, Okoloko’s legacy stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. His impact on the U.S. legal system is a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential within the diaspora to drive meaningful change.
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