Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has cautioned judges in the state to resist corrupt influence and undue pressure from friends, associates, or other interests, warning that such acts could erode public confidence in the judiciary.
The governor gave the warning on Monday in Ado-Ekiti while swearing in five newly appointed judges of the Ekiti State High Court. He urged the judicial officers to remain upright, impartial, and committed to the speedy and fair dispensation of justice, stressing that justice must never be perceived as a privilege for the wealthy or the powerful.
Oyebanji emphasized that the credibility of the judiciary rests on integrity and public trust, not on personal connections, wealth, or status. He charged the judges to uphold the Constitution and carry out their duties without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.
The newly sworn-in judges are Olanike Caroline Adegoke, Julius Sunday Bamise, Julius Ajibare, Stephen Akinyede, and Adefunke Anoma.
According to the governor, their appointments followed a rigorous and transparent process, which included public complaint reviews and interviews conducted by a seven-member committee in line with the 2023 Revised guidelines of the National Judicial Council.
Oyebanji explained that the appointments were necessitated by the growing volume of cases in the state, driven by increased socioeconomic activities and rising public confidence in the justice system. He noted that the new judges would complement the efforts of serving judicial officers, help decongest court dockets, and enhance the timely delivery of justice.
“As our state continues to grow socially and economically, the demands on our courts have increased,” the governor said, describing the swearing-in as both timely and strategic.
He also appealed to families, friends, and associates of the judges not to interfere with the judicial process through undue pressure or corrupt practices, warning that such actions could undermine the rule of law.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Justice Olanike Adegoke thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them and assured that the judges would uphold the Constitution and discharge their duties with integrity, fairness, and impartiality.
