Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday officially swore in Hon. Justice Adekanye Lekan Ogunmoye as the sixth substantive Chief Judge of Ekiti State.
The ceremony, held at the Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti, marked the elevation of Justice Ogunmoye, who had been serving in an acting capacity since November 5, 2024, following the passing of his predecessor, Hon. Justice Oyewole Adeyeye.
Mrs. C. O. Adegoke administered the oath of allegiance and judicial oath during the event.
In his address, Governor Oyebanji congratulated the new Chief Judge and urged him to uphold the dignity of the judiciary while raising the bar of excellence.
“Today’s occasion is yet another significant event in the judicial and democratic journey of our dear State,” the governor said. “It is with deep respect that we gather here to witness the swearing-in of the sixth substantive Chief Judge of the Ekiti State High Court in the history of Ekiti State, His Lordship, Hon. Justice Adekanye Lekan Ogunmoye.”
He continued, “On behalf of the government and people of Ekiti State, I congratulate Your Lordship on your well-deserved elevation. The position of Chief Judge is not a mere title—it is a sacred trust.”
Governor Oyebanji described the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, emphasizing the need for judges to act without fear, favor, or sentiment, and to remain guided solely by the Constitution.
“As the most sacred, conservative, and apolitical arm of government, the judiciary must be manned by persons of unimpeachable integrity, profound legal knowledge, and astute administrative capability,” he stated.
Highlighting Justice Ogunmoye’s decades-long service and record of integrity, the governor added:
“Your unblemished record as a High Court Judge for nearly two decades and your eight months in acting capacity give us confidence. Under your leadership, the judiciary must reach new heights, ensuring justice for all, regardless of status, gender, or circumstance.”
He pledged continued executive support for judicial reforms, infrastructure, and independence:
“We reaffirm our commitment to the independence of the judiciary and will continue to provide resources and promote initiatives that will enhance justice delivery across the state.”
The governor also called on all stakeholders to support the judiciary, stressing that cooperation between the executive, legislature, judiciary, and the people was vital to building a just and peaceful Ekiti.
In his opening remarks, Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata (SAN), commended Governor Oyebanji for his adherence to due process and respect for judicial independence. He noted that the appointment followed recommendations from the National Judicial Council and was confirmed by the State House of Assembly, in line with legal provisions.
In his response, Justice Ogunmoye expressed appreciation to the governor for the confidence reposed in him and reaffirmed his commitment to a transparent, accountable, and tech-driven judiciary.
He said, “Mr. Governor has spoken about the expectations of the judiciary. It is a common saying that the Executive has the power of coercion, the Legislature has the power of repulse, and the Judiciary relies on public confidence.
“The only way the Judiciary can sustain that confidence is to be transparent, accountable, efficient, and receptive.”
Justice Ogunmoye pledged to drive digital transformation across the judiciary to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accessibility to justice.
“We can’t do anything in the judiciary without going digital. Once the system is corrupt, the integrity will be corrupted. Our focus is to ensure that we have a judiciary that is transparent and corrupt-free,” he added.
Present at the ceremony were the President of the Ekiti State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Toyin Abodunde; representatives of the Chief Judge of Ondo State; Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi; current and former justices of the High Court; members of the State Executive Council and House of Assembly; and traditional rulers including the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, the Olomuo of Omuo-Ekiti, and the Olupole of Ipole-Iloro.
