Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the state’s Chief Judge (CJ), Iyabo Yerima, yesterday, charged judges in the state to discharge their duties with all sense of responsibility, saying that the judiciary would have a strong impact in interpreting the rule of law as enshrined in the state’s 2023-2027 sustainable agenda.

They gave the charge during the swearing-in of eight new judges for the Oyo State High Court and two judges for the state’s Customary Court of Appeal at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan.

In his address, Makinde emphasised the importance of merit-based appointments in the judiciary, stating that the newly sworn-in judges were selected based on their qualifications and integrity, without external interference.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for the state’s judiciary to operate effectively without interference.

The CJ, who revealed that the Makinde-led administration had appointed 15 judges in the past five-and-a-half years, pledged that the state judiciary would continue to deliver its mandate and services for the benefit of the people.

Meanwhile, Makinde has assured of his administration’s determination to keep making right decisions for the benefit of the public, civil servants and the state as a whole.

He also reiterated that his administration would continue to build institutions that would guarantee continuity after the expiration of his tenure.

The governor, who spoke during the 2024 Public Service Week and Productivity/Merit Award Day celebration held at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, Ibadan, congratulated the awardees for serving the state meritoriously, urging them to strive to do more.

Makinde also used the occasion to reward the immediate Coordinating Director, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Adedigba Aderogba, who retired in October 2024, with the post of a Permanent Secretary as his retirement gift.

The governor was later honoured by the Civil/Public Service of the state in recognition of his worker-friendly policies since he became the governor of the state.