Okpebholo swears in three judges rejected by Obaseki’s administration

Five of the judges were sworn in May this year.

During the ceremony held at the Festival Hall in Government House, the governor reflected on his inaugural speech, where he pledged to address this issue, stating that he was now honoured to correct this oversight.

He pointed out that eleven months after the National Judicial Council (NJC) recommended eight candidates for judicial appointments, only five were sworn in by the previous administration, leaving out three judges who had also been cleared by the NJC.

Governor Okpebholo emphasised that no individual should face discrimination, marginalisation, or animosity for personal reasons or due to a lack of a political patron.

He stated that as judges of the Edo State High Court, they are expected to maintain high standards of conduct, ensure fair resolution of disputes, protect citizens’ rights, and bring offenders to justice.

He said: “During my swearing-in as Governor of Edo State on November 12, 2024, I recognised the vital role of the judiciary within the framework of Separation of Powers. Today, we gather to reinforce that role for the judiciary.

“The National Judicial Council recommended eight individuals for appointment as judges of the Edo State High Court in June 2023. Eleven months later, only five of them were sworn in by the previous administration, while three were unjustly left out, despite being cleared by the same NJC.

“In my inaugural address, I promised to look into this matter. Today, we have the opportunity to rectify this wrong. The three judges will now join their colleagues on the bench of the Edo State High Court to fulfil their duties as symbols of hope.

“No one should be discriminated against, marginalised, or disliked for personal reasons or for lacking a godfather.”

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

Speaking on behalf of the new judges, Ojo Maureen Osa expressed gratitude to the governor for the opportunity to serve as judges in Edo State.

She thanked him for making their swearing-in possible just three weeks into his administration and prayed for his success and the advancement of justice for all.

“We assure you that we will dispense justice without fear or favour,” she stated.