Governor Monday Okpebholo has sworn in three judges for the Edo State High Court. The event, held at the Festival Hall, Government House in Benin City, marked the conclusion of a prolonged 17-month delay despite the judges receiving clearance from the National Judicial Council (NJC) in June 2023.
This move comes shortly after the new administration took office, with Governor Okpebholo fulfilling a key promise made during his swearing-in ceremony. In his remarks, the governor emphasized the importance of an impartial judiciary and the need to address the delay caused by the previous administration.
“During my swearing-in ceremony as Governor of Edo State on the 12th of 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,” Okpebholo stated.
He highlighted the injustice faced by the three judges, pointing out that although the NJC had approved eight candidates for the High Court in 2023, only five were sworn in by the previous government. Okpebholo’s action ensures the inclusion of the remaining three judges, who had been unjustly sidelined.
The governor urged the newly sworn-in judges to perform their duties with integrity and fairness, avoiding favoritism or bias. “No one should be discriminated against or marginalized for personal reasons or for lacking a godfather,” he said.
The three judges, identified as Ojo Maureen Osa, Okundamiya Godwin Jeff, and Edoghogho Eboigbe, expressed their gratitude to the governor.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Ojo Maureen Osa thanked Governor Okpebholo for prioritizing their appointments within just three weeks of his administration. She pledged their commitment to upholding justice and ensuring fairness in their duties.
