Monday Okpebholo, Edo State Governor has administered oaths of office on three judges who were excluded by Godwin Obaseki’s administration during last year’s swearing-in of five other judges.

The governor explained that the decision was made in fulfilment of his campaign promise to correct the oversight of his predecessor.

In June 2023, the National Judicial Council ,NJC, had recommended eight individuals for appointment to the Edo State High Court. However, only five of them were sworn in by the former governor, leaving out Justices Ojo Osa, Okundamiya Jeff, and Edoghogho Eboigbe.

At the ceremony held at the Festival Hall of the Government House, Governor Okpebholo expressed that the swearing-in was in alignment with his inaugural speech, where he had promised to address the matter. He pointed out that despite the NJC’s clearance and recommendation of all eight judges, 11 months had passed without action on the remaining three, even though they were equally qualified.

The governor emphasized that “no one should be discriminated against, marginalised, or hated for personal reasons, or on account of not having a godfather.”

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Responding on behalf of the new judges, Justice Ojo Osa expressed gratitude to the governor for the opportunity to serve. She thanked Okpebholo for making their swearing-in a reality, just three weeks into his administration.

The governor reminded the newly sworn-in judges of the high standards of conduct expected from them in ensuring fair dispute resolution, upholding citizens’ rights, and bringing justice to those who break the law.

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

“Today, we are gathered here to strengthen that role. The NJC, in June 2023, had recommended eight individuals for appointment to the Edo State High Court. Eleven months later, only five 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 promised to look into the case. Today, we have the privilege to right that wrong. The three judges will now have the opportunity to sit alongside their colleagues at the Edo State High Court to discharge their duties”, said the governor.

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