Okpebholo swears in three judges overlooked by Obaseki

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has sworn in three judges sidelined by the Godwin Obaseki administration, which had sworn in five of their colleagues in May 2024.

The governor presided over the swearing-in ceremony of Ojo Osa, Okundamiya Jeff, and Edoghogho Eboigbe into the Edo State High Court at the Festival Hall, Government House, on Monday.

He recalled that during his inaugural speech, he had pledged to address the matter.

Okpebholo noted that, despite the National Judicial Council recommending eight candidates for appointment as judges in June 2023, the immediate-past administration only swore in five, leaving out three despite their clearance and recommendation by the NJC.

The governor stressed that no individual should face discrimination, marginalisation, or prejudice due to personal biases or lack of a godfather.

He charged the newly sworn-in judges to uphold the highest standards of judicial conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, safeguard citizens’ rights, and bring offenders to justice.

He said, “During my swearing-in ceremony as Governor of Edo State on 12th November 2024, I recognised the critical role of the judiciary under the doctrine of separation of powers. Today, we are gathered here to strengthen the judiciary’s role.

“The NJC recommended eight persons 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 immediate past administration, leaving out three despite their clearance by the NJC.

“In my inaugural speech, I promised to address this issue. Today, we have the privilege to correct this injustice. These three judges will now join their colleagues on the Edo State High Court bench to perform their duties.

“For me, no one should be discriminated against, marginalised, or hated for personal reasons or due to the absence of a godfather. As judges of the High Court, you are expected to maintain a high standard of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, uphold the rights of citizens, and deliver justice to offenders.”

Speaking on behalf of the new judges, Ojo Osa expressed gratitude to the governor for allowing them to serve.

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