Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has fulfilled a key inaugural promise by swearing in three judges to the State High Court.
The ceremony, held at the Festival Hall in Government House, Benin City, reflects his commitment to addressing delays in judicial appointments.
During the swearing-in, Governor Okpebholo reiterated his pledge to rectify the injustices surrounding the delayed appointments. “In my inaugural address on November 12, 2024, I assured the people of Edo State that the issue of the remaining judges, who had been duly recommended by the National Judicial Council (NJC), would be resolved.
Today, we are correcting that wrong,” he said. The NJC had recommended eight candidates for judicial appointment in June 2023.
However, the previous administration swore in only five judges in May 2024, leaving three qualified individuals excluded. The Governor condemned the selective process, stating, “No one should be marginalized or discriminated against for personal reasons or because they lack a godfather. Merit and fairness must always prevail.”
Addressing the newly sworn-in judges—Justices Ojo Maureen Osa, Okundamiya Godwin Jeff, and Edoghogho Eboigbe—Governor Okpebholo urged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity. “Your duty is to ensure fair dispute resolution, uphold the rights of our citizens, and bring offenders to justice without fear or favor,” he emphasized.
Speaking on behalf of her colleagues, Justice Ojo Maureen Osa expressed gratitude to the Governor for his decisive action. “We are honored by this opportunity to serve and assure you that we will dispense justice with fairness and integrity,” she said.
She also prayed for the success of the Governor’s tenure and the advancement of justice across the state. The swearing-in marks a significant step in strengthening Edo State’s judiciary, ensuring equitable access to justice for its citizens.
