Gov. Seyi Makinde yesterday (Thursday, December 5) swore in 10 new judges to strengthen the judicial arm of government in Oyo State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports eight High Court judges and two Customary Court of Appeal judges were sworn in at the executive chamber of the Governor’s Office, Ibadan.
In his remarks, Makinde charged the new judges to uphold the law and carry out their duties with all sense of responsibility.
The Governor said the swearing-in was in accordance with Sections 2:71 and 2:81 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.
He urged the new judges to live up to the expectations of the office they now occupy, as they would be looked upon to protect the people’s rights.
“You should not disappoint the people,” he said.
Makinde said his administration would continue to ensure that judges enjoy the right environment to carry out their duties without interference.
According to him, the ceremony reminded him of how democracy works to check and balance the three arms of government.
He reiterated that the legislature makes the law while the judiciary interprets and the executive enforces it.
“Where the three arms work together, we have a more progressive society.
“This is what has been happening in Oyo State in the last five and half years.
“Since we assumed office, the three arms of government have been working together to ensure that we provide true dividends of democracy to our people.
“With the appointment of these 10 judges, we are assured of further strengthening the judiciary,” Governor Makinde said.
Makinde said the judiciary would have a particularly strong impact on the implementation of the Oyo State Road Map for Sustainable Development 2023 – 2027 and beyond.
According to him, Oyo State would be different in terms of maintaining law and order with strong law enforcement.
In her address, the state Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima, urged the new judges to be steadfast and dedicated to their duties.
Yerima, who said the judges’ appointments were purely on merit, charged them to live above board.
She commended the Makinde-led administration for prioritising the welfare of the judiciary.
NAN reports the new judges of the High Court are Jimoh Adesina, Adenike Adepoju, Salami Ademola, Moses Oladejo, Opayinka Adeleke, Yemi Adekunle, Oloyede Oyediran, and Olayemi Muraina.
For the state Customary Court of Appeal, we have Amope Oyediran and Opeyemi Ojekunle.
