Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, sworn in three judges initially excluded by the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki.
The ceremony, held at the Festival Hall of the Government House, marks a significant step in fulfilling the governor’s pledge to uphold fairness and strengthen the judiciary.
Governor Okpebholo, in his address, highlighted the circumstances surrounding the delayed appointments.
He noted that although the National Judicial Council (NJC) had recommended eight individuals for appointment to the Edo State High Court in June 2023, only five were sworn in by the immediate past administration, leaving three judges excluded despite their NJC clearance.
“In my inaugural speech, I promised to review the matter, and today, we have the privilege to right this wrong,” Okpebholo stated.
“No one should be discriminated against, marginalized, or excluded for personal reasons or due to the absence of a godfather,” he continued.
The governor emphasized the judiciary’s critical role in maintaining justice and upholding citizens’ rights, urging the newly sworn-in judges to adhere to the highest standards of conduct.
“As judges of the State High Court, we expect you to uphold fair dispute resolution, protect citizen’s rights, and ensure that justice is served,” he said.
The three judges sworn in Ojo Maureen Osa, Okundamiya Godwin Jeff, and Edoghogho Eboigbe now join their colleagues on the bench of the Edo State High Court.
Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed judges, Ojo Maureen Osa expressed gratitude to Governor Okpebholo for making their appointments a reality just three weeks into his administration.
“We thank you for the opportunity to serve as judges in Edo State.
Your commitment to justice is evident, and we pray for a tenure marked by success and fairness,” she said.
“We assure you that we will dispense justice without fear or favor,” she continued.
This development reinforces Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and effective judiciary, aligning with his earlier pledge to uphold the doctrine of separation of powers and strengthen the state’s legal system.
