Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Friday swore in Honourable Justice Ayedun Olusegun Odusola as the 12th chief judge of the state.
Mr Odusola had served as the acting chief judge of the state 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 the new High Court judges in the state.
Mr Akeredolu equally inaugurated Omofunmile Adejombo, Omolola Akinseloyin and Stanley Adeniyan as members of the State Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
The governor described the appointment of the chief judge and others as the greatest honour society could confer on any citizen.
He said their appointments were not only a mark of recognition with regard to competence in the administration and practice of law but also confirmed their fitness in terms of character.
Mr Akeredolu 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.
The governor disclosed that he had just approved the immediate commencement of work on the construction of a new ultra-modern court complex.
Mr 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.
The governor also warned friends and family members of the new judicial officers to desist from mounting pressures capable of distracting them.
The governor, therefore, called on lawyers, the court registry and the state’s residents to cooperate with the new chief judge and his brother judges for optimum dispensation of justice.
In his acceptance speech, the new chief judge thanked the governor for accepting the recommendation of the NJC and appointing him and four others as judges of the State High Court.
He vowed to sustain the existing relationship among the arms of government and enhance the same during his tenure as the chief judge.
The chief judge and the four new judges were handed brand new vehicles as their official cars immediately after the event.
