The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Odusola had served as the Acting capacity until his recommendation by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and subsequent appointment by the governor and approval by the State House of Assembly.
The governor also swore in Justice Bolatito Florence Ajibade, Justice Bankole Jacob Akinwunmi, Justice Leonard Boyede Ologun and Justice Femi Sylvester Akinbinnu as new High Court Judges in the state.
Akeredolu, while inaugurating the Chief Judge in Akure, described the appointment of the new Chief Judge and other Judges as the greatest honour a society can confer on any citizen.
He said their appointment was not only a mark of recognition with regard to competence in the administration and practice of law, but also confirms their fitness in terms of character.
Akeredolu equally inaugurated Pastor Omofunmile Adejombo, Mrs Omolola Akinseloyin and Mr Stanley Adeniyan as members of the State Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
The governor reiterated his administration’s promise to support the judiciary.
“Amidst the challenges faced by us, especially after the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, which impacted negatively on the finances of the state, we have continued to discharge our duties with utmost care and focus,” he said.
Akeredolu disclosed that he had approved the immediate commencement of work on the construction of a new Ultra-Modern Court Complex.
According to him, the proposed architectural masterpiece is designed to have all the facilities of a modern Court Complex which comprises 21 Court Halls, a modern Ceremonial Hall, Library, among others.
He said the Complex, when completed, would rank as of one the iconic court buildings in the country.
“With the support of the Almighty, we are determined to leave this building as an abiding legacy to the state,” he said.
Akeredolu charged the Chief Judge and the four new Judges to be above board, stressing that anyone aspiring to the post of a judicial officer must be a fit and proper person.
”Anyone aspiring to the post of a judicial officer must be a fit and proper person. He must be held to the highest standard of conduct, both professionally and in private life.
“Anyone who passes the screening at various stages successfully must be adjudged qualified. Consequently, the society expects the best of performance from such a person as he will be wielding immense power over them.
“In interpreting the law, he makes and unmakes. He possesses the power of life and death while applying the law. No serious country jokes with the welfare of the judiciary.
“I have had the rare privilege of swearing-in four Chief Judges and 10 judges since I mounted the saddle of leadership as the Governor of Ondo State. This is the 5th Oath taking ceremony undertaken by our administration since inception.
“I have worked with some of these eminent personalities and have nothing other than high commendation for their exemplary dispositions.
“I, therefore, enjoin the new judicial officers to meet the expectations of quintessential service to the people,” he said.
The governor also warned friends and family members of the new judicial officers to desist from mounting pressure capable of distracting them.
The governor congratulated the new members of the Judicial Service Commission.
“I must not fail to remind them of their special assignment to the people of the state. They scout for, screen and recommend suitable applicants who become judges.
“In addition, they attend to the welfare of judicial officers. Lucky indeed is a person who enjoys the trust of the people of the State to perform such important duties.
“The expectations of the people are very high. It is my hope that the new members will meet them,” he said.
The governor called on lawyers, the Court Registry and the good people of Ondo State to co-operate with the new Chief Judge and his brother judges for optimum dispensation of justice.
In his acceptance speech, Odusola thanked the governor for accepting the recommendation of the NJC and appointing him as the Chief Judge and four others as Judges of the State High Court.
He promised to sustain the existing relationship among the arms of government and enhance the same during his tenure as the Chief Judge. (NAN)
