Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has charged newly appointed judges of the Ekiti State High Court to dispense justice without bias, fear or favour, urging them to uphold the highest standards of integrity in the discharge of their duties.
Speaking on Monday at the swearing-in ceremony held in Ado-Ekiti, the governor described the judiciary as “the cornerstone of our democracy, the guardian of rights, the interpreter of our laws, and the last hope of the common man.”
The five newly sworn-in judges are Justices Olanike Adegoke, Sunday Bamise, Stephen Akinyede, Julius Ajibare and Funke Anoma.
Congratulating the new judges, their families and the judiciary at large, Oyebanji cautioned friends and associates against exerting undue influence on the Bench.
Oyebanji reminded the judges that their elevation to the Bench was a call to service and a sacred responsibility to uphold the Constitution and protect the rule of law.
“You have been entrusted with a sacred duty: to uphold the Constitution, to act without fear or favour, affection or ill will. I charge you to remain an example of equity and fairness, and to do your work with integrity at the highest level,” the governor said.
He said the addition of the five judges had strengthened and repositioned the state judiciary for more effective and timely dispensation of justice, expressing confidence that their appointment would help decongest court dockets and improve access to justice in the state.
Oyebanji said, “As our state continues to expand in every aspect of socio-economic indices, our courts have also correspondingly witnessed an increasing volume of cases.
“This appointment and swearing-in of the new judges today is therefore both timely and strategic.”
The governor explained that the appointment of the judges followed the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, describing the process as rigorous and in strict compliance with constitutional provisions.
He said the newly appointed judges earned their positions based on “exceptional competence and integrity”, adding that their nomination reflected the administration’s commitment to strengthening a judiciary that mirrors Ekiti’s values as a land of honour.
The governor stressed that justice must never be perceived as favouring the powerful or the wealthy.
The governor said, “Their dedication to upholding justice will undoubtedly enhance the confidence of Ekiti Kete in our judiciary. You must not only be efficient and fair, but you must also be seen to be efficient and fair by all.
“Our people should never be made to imagine or believe that justice is for the strong or the highest bidder. You are to be the voice for the voiceless and the true last hope of the hopeless, the hapless and the powerless.”
Oyebanji also highlighted the administration’s commitment to inclusivity, noting that the appointments reflected efforts at gender balance and equitable opportunity within the state judiciary.
He commended the leadership of the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, for providing steady guidance and support to the government in its efforts to strengthen the justice sector.
The governor paid tribute to the late former Chief Judge, John Oyewole Adeyeye, acknowledging his contributions to the process that culminated in the swearing-in ceremony.
He also appreciated the National Judicial Council for approving the state’s recommendations without hindrance.
Reiterating his administration’s support for the judiciary, the governor assured that the state government would continue to provide the necessary human and material resources required for effective justice delivery.