At last, Edo governor swears-in 3 judges rejected by Obaseki

Benin, Edo – The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Monday sworn three Judges into the Bench of Edo State High Court.

The three new judges; Ojo Maureen Osa, Okundamiya Godwin Jeff and Edoghogho Eboigbe were amongst the eight persons recommended for appointment as judges by the National Judicial Council.

While the outgone Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, sworn-in five out of the eight persons recommended by NJC, the former governor refused to sworn in these three new judges.

However, Okpebholo who supervised the swearing in of the three Judges into the Bench of Edo State High Court at the Festival Hall in Government House, recalled that in his inaugural speech, he had promised to look into the case.

He noted that eleven months after the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC), only five of those recommended were sworn-in as judges by the immediate-past administration, leaving out three, even when they had all been cleared and recommended by the same NJC.

Governor Okpebholo said no one should be discriminated, marginalized or hated for personal reasons, or on account of not having a godfather.

The Governor stated that as judges of the state High Court, they are expected to uphold high standard of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, uphold rights of citizens, and bring culprits to justice.

"During my swearing-in ceremony as Governor of Edo State on the 12th 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.

“The National Judicial Council in June 2023 had recommended eight persons for appointment as Judges of the Edo State High Court.

“Eleven months after that recommendation, only five of them were sworn-in by the immediate-past administration, leaving out three, even when they had all been cleared and recommended by the same NJC.

“In my inaugural speech, I made a promise to look into the case. Today we have the privilege to right the wrong. The three judges will now have the opportunity to sit with their colleagues at the bench of the Edo State High Court, to discharge their duties as beacons of hope.

“For me, no one should be discriminated, marginalized nor hated for personal reasons, or on account of not having a godfather.

“As Judges of the State High Court, we expect you to uphold high standard of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, uphold rights of citizens, and bring culprits to justice", Okpebholo said

Responding on behalf of the trio, Ojo Maureen Osa, thanked the governor for the opportunity given them to serve as Judges in Edo State.

She expressed appreciation to the Governor for making their swearing-in a reality, just three weeks into office, and prayed that his tenure will be marked with success and advancement of justice for all.

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