Governor Kayode Fayemi has canvassed elevation of qualified female lawyers as well as young lawyers as judges in Ekiti State High Court. He made the call in Ado-Ekiti yesterday during inauguration of the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Adeniyi Familoni, as a judge of the State High Court, following his recommendation by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
The governor, while giving his perspective on the future of the state judiciary, said it was important to encourage and provide space for competent female lawyers to become High Court judges.
“My administration is committed to supporting the elevation of judges in our State High Court. Directly related to this must now be the conversation on the desirability of ensuring that qualified young lawyers are given the opportunity to be appointed to the Bench.
“History revealed that the late Justice Olatawura became a judge of the Western State Court at the age of 38. So, it was not surprise that he eventually ended up in the Supreme Court of Nigeria. It may now be desirable to revisit the age of the appointment to the Bench. I am aware that in a number of states, efforts were made to target suitable candidate under the age of 40.
“No less important is the need for female judges in the High Court of Ekiti State. My administration firmly believes in the desirability of enabling appropriate environment for the appointment of women to decision-making positions.
Our current situation cannot be said to be satisfactory. I hope my Lord, the chief judge, will agree with me on the need to ensure that qualified female lawyers are given space to aspire for the Bench of High Court of Ekiti State,” Fayemi said.
The governor, while swearing in the new judge at the Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, pledged to provide necessary support that would enhance dispensation and administration of justice in the state.
He described the appointment of Familoni as a practical demonstration of his administration’s commitment to restoring the values of hard work, decency, integrity and competent above mediocrity in the public service.
