Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Monday, fulfilled a campaign promise by swearing in three judges overlooked by the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki during the swearing-in of five of their colleagues last year. The ceremony, held at the Festival Hall of the Government House, marked the conclusion of a contentious delay in their appointment.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) had cleared and recommended eight judges for the Edo State High Court in June 2023. However, only five of them were sworn in under the immediate past governor, Obaseki, leaving out Justices Ojo Osa, Okundamiya Jeff, and Edoghogho Eboigbe. This omission sparked concerns about fairness and transparency.
Governor Okpebholo, during the swearing-in ceremony, emphasized his commitment to addressing perceived injustices. He said, “Today, we are gathered here to strengthen the role of the judiciary. Eleven months after the NJC’s recommendation, only five judges were sworn in, leaving three others who had also been cleared and recommended. This was unacceptable, and I pledged during my inauguration to rectify the situation.”
Okpebholo stressed the importance of equity, stating, “No one should be discriminated against, marginalised, or hated for personal reasons, or on account of not having a godfather. These judges will now have the opportunity to join their colleagues at the Edo State High Court to uphold justice and fairness.”
He urged the newly sworn-in judges to uphold high standards of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, protect citizens’ rights, and hold wrongdoers accountable.
In response, Justice Ojo, speaking on behalf of her colleagues, expressed gratitude to Governor Okpebholo for ensuring their appointments. She noted, “We appreciate the governor for making our swearing-in a reality within just three weeks of his tenure. This opportunity to serve as judges in Edo State is an honor we deeply value.”
The event signifies a milestone in Governor Okpebholo’s early administration, reinforcing his dedication to fairness and justice in the state judiciary.
