Ondo gets new CJ, four Supreme Court Justices

Ondo State Governor Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu has sworn in Judge Olusegun Odusola as the state’s 12th Chief Justice.

This is stated in a statement from the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, on Friday.

According to the statement, Judge Odusola had served as acting chief justice of the state until his recommendation by the National Judicial Council and subsequent nomination by the governor and approval by the state House of Assembly.

The statement read: ‘The Governor has also sworn in Hon. Justice Bolatito Florence Ajibade; Hon. Justice Bankole Jacob Akinwunmi; Hon. Justice Leonard Boyede Ologun and Hon. Justice Femi Sylvester Akinbinnu as new Supreme Court justices in the state.”

Governor Akeredolu also inaugurated Pastor Omofunmile Adejombo; Ms. Omolola Akinseloyin and Mr. Stanley Adeniyan as Members of the State Judicial Service Commission.

The governor described the appointment of the chief justice and other judges as the greatest honor a society could bestow on a citizen. He said their appointment was not only a mark of recognition with regard to competence in the administration and practice of law, but also confirmed their suitability in terms of character.

He said: “Anyone aspiring to the position of bailiff must be a fit and proper person. He must adhere to the highest standards of conduct, both professionally and privately.

“Anyone who successfully passes the screening at different stages should be declared qualified. Consequently, society expects the best performance from such a person as he will wield immense power over them.

“In interpreting the law, it undoes and undoes. He holds the power of life and death while applying the law. No serious farmer’s jokes with the welfare of the judiciary.

“I have had the rare privilege of swearing in four chief justices and ten judges since I ascended the saddle of leadership as Governor of Ondo State. This is the fifth swearing-in ceremony our administration has undertaken since its inception.

“I have worked with some of these eminent personalities and have nothing but high praise for their exemplary attitude. I therefore commend the new bailiffs to meet the expectations of typical public service.”

The governor also warned friends and relatives of the new bailiffs to refrain from mounting pressure that could distract them.

Likewise, the Governor of Ondo State congratulated the new members of the Judicial Service Commission.

“I must not fail to remind them of their special duty to the people of the state. They source, screen and recommend suitable candidates to become judges.

“Moreover, they ensure the well-being of bailiffs. Lucky is indeed a person who enjoys the trust of the people of the state to perform such important tasks. People’s expectations are very high. I hope the new members will meet them.”