Gov Okpebholo swears in 3 judges previously excluded by Obaseki’s administration

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has sworn in three judges previously excluded from the bench by the former administration of Godwin Obaseki.

The ceremony, held at the Government House, fulfilled Okpebholo’s inaugural promise to address the matter and ensure justice.

During his remarks, Governor Okpebholo recalled that the National Judicial Council (NJC) had recommended eight candidates for appointment to the Edo State High Court bench over 11 months ago.

However, the previous administration swore in only five of the nominees, leaving three qualified judges sidelined despite their clearance by the NJC.

The governor emphasized his commitment to fairness and equity, stating, “No one should be discriminated against, marginalized, or hated for personal reasons or for lacking a godfather.”

Governor Okpebholo urged the newly sworn-in judges to uphold the highest standards of conduct in their roles.

He said: “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.

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“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, marginalised 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.

The three Judges sworn in include Ojo Maureen Osa, Okundamiya Godwin Jeff and Edoghogho Eboigbe.

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

She appreciated 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.