Okpebholo Swears In Three Judges, Ending 17-month Delay

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has sworn in three judges for the Edo State High Court, concluding a 17-month wait following their clearance by the National Judicial Council (NJC) in June 2023.

This comes five months after five of their colleagues were sworn in by the previous administration.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, fulfills a promise Governor Okpebholo made during his inaugural address to address the delayed appointments.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor emphasized the importance of impartiality in the judiciary. He urged the newly sworn-in judges to uphold fairness and avoid discrimination or favoritism.

“During my swearing-in ceremony as Governor of Edo State on the 12th of November, 2024, I acknowledged the critical role of the judiciary under the doctrine of Separation of Powers. Today, we are gathered here to strengthen that role for the judiciary,” Okpebholo said.

He recalled: “The NJC in June 2023 recommended eight persons for appointment as judges of the Edo State High Court. Eleven months later, only five were sworn in by the previous administration, leaving out three, even though they had all been cleared and recommended by the same NJC.”

The governor expressed his commitment to righting the wrongs of the past, adding: “Today, these three judges join their colleagues on the bench of the Edo State High Court, where they will serve as beacons of hope. No one should be discriminated against or marginalized for personal reasons or for lacking a godfather.”

Okpebholo reminded the judges of their responsibilities, stating: “As judges, you are expected to uphold high standards of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, protect citizens’ rights, and bring offenders to justice.”

The three judges sworn in are: Ojo Maureen Osa, Okundamiya Godwin Jeff, Edoghogho Eboigbe

Speaking on behalf of the trio, Ojo Maureen Osa expressed gratitude to Governor Okpebholo for making their appointments a reality just three weeks into his administration.

She assured the governor of their commitment to justice and prayed for his tenure to bring success and progress to the state’s judiciary.

VANGUARD