The Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, has sworn in Justice Olusegun Odusola as the 12th Chief Judge of the state.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Richard Olatunde, on Friday.
According to the statement, Justice Odusola had served as the Acting Chief Judge of the state until his recommendation by the National Judicial Council and subsequent appointment by the governor and approval by the State House of Assembly.
The statement read, “The governor also swore in Hon. Justice Bolatito Florence Ajibade; Hon. Justice Bankole Jacob Akinwunmi; Hon. Justice Leonard Boyede Ologun and Hon. Justice Femi Sylvester Akinbinnu as new high court judges in the state.”
Governor Akeredolu equally inaugurated Pastor Omofunmile Adejombo; Mrs. Omolola Akinseloyin and Mr Stanley Adeniyan as members of the State Judicial Service Commission.
The governor described the appointment of the Chief Judge and other judges as the greatest honour a society could 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 confirmed their fitness in terms of character.
He said, “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 fifth 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.”
The governor also warned friends and family members of the new judicial officers to desist from mounting pressures capable of distracting them.
Similarly, the Ondo State 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.”