Wilson Adekumola
The Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeresolu.SAN, on Friday swore in Hon. Justice Ayedun Olusegun Odusola as the 12th Chief Judge of the State.
Until his appointment, Justice Odusola was the Acting Chief Judge of the State until, before he was recommendwd by the National Judicial Council, NJC, and subsequent appointment by the governor and approval by the State House of Assembly.
The governor also swore in Hon. Justice Bolatito Florence Ajibade; Hon. Justice Bankole Jacob Akinwunmi; Hon. Justice Leonard Boyede Ologun and Hon. Justice Femi Sylvester Akinbinnu as new High Court Judges in the State respectively.
Akeredolu, the chairman of South-West governora equally inaugurated Pastor Omofunmile Adejombo; Mrs. Omolola Akinseloyin and Mr Stanley Adeniyan as members of the State Judicial Service Commission, JSC.
Commenting on the appointment, he said the appointment of the Chief Judge and other Judges is the greatest honour a society could confer on any citizen.
While noting that their appointments were not just based on merit, he said their appointments were not just mark of recognition with regards to competence in the administration and practice of law, but also confirmed their fitness in terms of character.
Akeredolu reassured his Administration would not renege on its promise to support the judiciary.
He said, “Amidst the challenges faced by us, especially after the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 which impacted negatively on the finances of the State, we have continued to discharge our duties with utmost care and focus.”
The governor noted that the new Ultra-Modern Court Complex had been approved for immediate commencement of work on the construction.
He said the proposed architectural masterpiece is designed to have all the facilities of a modern Court Complex which include 21 Court Halls, a modern Ceremonial Hall, Library, among others.
He stated thab the Complex, when completed, would be one of the best iconic court buildings in the country.
“With the support of the Almighty, we are determined to leave this building as an abiding legacy to the State,” he said.
Akeredolu then urged the Chief Judge and the four new Judges not to compromise their professional integrity, noting that anyone aspiring to the post of a judicial officer must be a fit and proper person.
”Anyone aspiring to the post of a judicial officer must be a fit and proper person. He must be held to the highest standard of conduct, both professionally and in private life.
“Anyone who passes the screening at various stages successfully must be adjudged qualified. Consequently, the society expects the best of performance from such a person as he will be wielding immense power over them.
“In interpreting the law, he makes and unmakes. He possesses the power of life and death while applying the law. No serious country jokes with the welfare of the judiciary.
“I have had the rare privilege of swearing in four Chief Judges and 10 judges since I mounted the saddle of leadership as the Governor of Ondo State. This is the 5th Oath taking ceremony undertaken by our Administration since inception.
“I have worked with some of these eminent personalities and have nothing other than high commendation for their exemplary dispositions. I, therefore, enjoin the new judicial officers to meet the expectations of quintessential service to the people,” he said.
The governor also cautioned friends and family members of the new judicial officers not to mount pressures on them in order not be distracted from their professional duty.
The governor, therefore, implored lawyers, the Court Registry and the good people of Ondo State to co-operate with the new Chief Judge and his brother judges for optimum dispensation of justice.
Reacting to the appointment, the new Chief Judge, thanked the governor for accepting the recommendation of the NJC and appointing him as the Chief Judge and four others as Judges of the State High Court.
He vowed to sustain the existing relationship among the arms of Government and enhance the same during his tenure as the Chief Judge.
The Chief Judge and the four new judges were given brand new vehicles as their official cars immediately after the event.
