…As Ekiti CJ Vows to Lead Transparent, Accountable Judicial System
The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, yesterday pledged the commitment of the Executive arm of government to the independence of the Judiciary and to support the judicial reforms to be undertaken by the new Chief Judge of the State.
The governor, who spoke in Ado Ekiti at the swearing-in ceremony of the 6th substantive Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, reminded the judge that his position is not a mere title, but a sacred trust.
“As the Executive arm of government, we reaffirm our commitment to the independence of the judiciary. We will continue to support judicial reforms, provide resources for improved infrastructure, and promote initiatives that will enhance the delivery of justice across the state.
“The judiciary is the last hope of the common man because of the institution that guarantees the equality of all before the majesty of the Law. The institution must, therefore, be guided not by sentiment, fear, or favoritism, but by the Constitution and the dictates of the Law.
“As the most sacred, conservative, and apolitical arm of government, the Judiciary must be manned by persons of unimpeachable integrity, profound legal knowledge, and astute administrative capability. These qualities, therefore, place upon the occupier of this exalted position a sacred duty to uphold justice at all times, regardless of whose interest is involved.”
Continuing, Oyebanji said, “I therefore implore Your Lordship to be guided by a sense of duty flowing from your years of experience beginning as a State Counsel, and later the Solicitor-General of Ekiti State, and much later a Judge of the High Court. It is delightful that one can attest to your unblemished record as a Judge of the High Court for nearly two decades and your eight months in acting capacity as Chief Judge.
“The Ekiti State judiciary has a great reputation, one of excellence and dignity. This is a heritage we are proud of, and one we must protect and advance. I therefore wish to say that there is more to be done in order to continuously raise the bar and to ensure prompt and efficient service delivery that meets global standards.
“Your Lordship, history will judge you not by the accolades you receive today, but by the legacy you leave behind after your tour of duty. In this position, courage and integrity must be your constant companions. Let it be said in years to come that under your leadership, the judiciary of Ekiti State reached a higher standard—one that ensured justice for all, regardless of status, gender, or circumstance.”
In his address, Justice Ogunmoye promised to lead a judiciary that is transparent, accessible, and accountable, saying that lack of transparency breeds lack of trust.
The CJ appealed to all stakeholders in the justice sector, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), to continue to give him full support and cooperation, saying that there can’t be a bar if there is no bench.
“I pledge to lead a judiciary that is transparent and accountable. We have the issue of infrastructural deficiency, technology; we have the issue of transparency. As we all know, lack of transparency breeds lack of trust. Once the system is corrupt, there will be no integrity. I intend to focus on this to have a judiciary that is transparent and corrupt-free.
“As of today in Ekiti, e-filing of court processes is on course, e-affidavit is on course, we are trying to key into the case filing system of the NJC. We have made appreciable progress; by the time we enter into the new legal year, it will be on stream.”
