Hon. Justice Mobolaji Ayodele Ojo was Wednesday sworn in as the first President of the Ogun State Customary Court of Appeal, 44 years after the creation of the Gateway state.
At the ceremony, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said that his administration would always respect all judicial pronouncements as a cardinal principle of good governance.
He, however, urged judges to be fair, firm and courageous to ensure equitable dispensation and efficient administration of justice in the state.
The swearing-in ceremony of the President other judges took place at the Obas Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Abiodun said that the decision of his administration to appoint a President and other members for the Customary Court of Appeal was a practical representation of his administration’s deliberate plan to bring the system and administration of justice closer to the people.
He noted that the appointment of the President and other members of the Court completed the practical establishment of the Ogun State Customary Court of Appeal. He added that the court would adjudicate on appeals arising from the Customary Court, since it deals with issues bordering on values, customs, beliefs and traditions.
“Let me assure you therefore that our administration will continue to ensure equitable dispensation and efficient administration in Ogun State. Today’s appointment of the President and other members of the Customary Court of Appeal, therefore brings into full the practical establishment of the Ogun State Customary Court of Appeal since the creation of our dear state in 1976.
“This special court is a practical representation of our administration’s deliberate plan and part of our commitment to bring the system and the administration of justice closer to our people, especially, at the grassroots. The Court will adjudicate on appeals arising from the customary court,” he said.
Abiodun added that it was the belief of his administration that the background of the appointees and the proud record of the state in the dispensation of justice would be an addition to an already distinguished higher bench. He expressed the hope that judges would be faithful to the oaths of office, and dispense justice without fear or favour.
The helmsman said that it was his belief that with the swearing in of the judges, the tradition of integrity, diligence, industry and excellence that had been the feat of the state judiciary would not only be continued, but also improved. He said that for the progress of any administration, it was important for the three arms of government – executive, legislature and judiciary- to relate with each other with mutual respect.
Abiodun, while charging the new judges to be diligent and rule without fear or favour, reminded them to always remember that the judiciary is one of the critical arms upon which the wheel of civilized society relies.
He added that their calling is an exceptionally weighty one that required a straight character with plain mind.
In his response, Hon. Justice Mobolaji Ojo thanked the governor for the opportunity given to him and other judges to serve in various capacities, saying that the charge from the governor would help them to deliver justice without fear or favour.
The appointed judges include Magistrate Femi Segun, Kolawole Peters, Araba Olusesan as Customary Court Judges, while Yetunde Oresanys and Funmilayo Stanley were also sworn in as High Court Judges.
