Why I swore in 3 judges sidelined by Obaseki – Okpebholo

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, swore in three judges who were sidelined by the Godwin Obaseki administration during the swearing-in of five of their colleagues last year.

He said he did it in fulfilment of his campaign promise to right the wrong of his predecessor.

The National Judicial Council, in June 2023, cleared and recommended eight judges for the Edo State High Court.

The immediate-past governor, Obaseki, however, swore in five of them, leaving out the three others.

The affected judges are Justices Ojo Osa, Okundamiya Jeff and Edoghogho Eboigbe.

Supervising their swearing-in at the Festival Hall of the Government House, on Monday, Okpebholo said it was in fulfilment of his inaugural speech, having promised to look into the case.

He noted that 11 months after the recommendation of the NJC, only five of those recommended were sworn in as judges by the immediate-past administration, leaving out three, even when they had all been cleared and recommended by the NJC.

Okpebholo said no one should be discriminated against, marginalised or hated for personal reasons, or on account of not having a godfather.

He charged the new judges to uphold a high standard of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, uphold the rights of citizens, and bring culprits to justice.

He said: “During my swearing-in ceremony as Governor of Edo State on the 12th of November 2024, I acknowledged the critical role of the judiciary under the doctrine of separation of powers.

“Today, we are gathered here to strengthen the role of the judiciary. The National Judicial Council in June 2023 had recommended eight persons for appointment as judges of the Edo State High Court.

“Eleven months after that recommendation, only five of them were sworn in by the immediate-past administration, leaving out three, even when they had all been cleared and recommended by the NJC.

“In my inaugural speech, I made a promise to look into the case. Today, we have the privilege to right the wrong. The three judges will now have the opportunity to sit with their colleagues at the bench of the Edo State High Court to discharge their duties.

“For me, no one should be discriminated against, marginalised or hated for personal reasons, or on account of not having a godfather.

“As judges of the state high court, we expect you to uphold a high standard of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, uphold the rights of citizens, and bring culprits to justice.”

Responding, Ojo, on behalf of others, thanked the governor for the opportunity given to them to serve as judges in Edo State.

She appreciated the governor for making their swearing-in a reality, just three weeks into office.