Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday advised judges in the state to shun corruption in the course of discharging their duties.
The governor stated this at the swearing-in ceremony of five new judges of High Court in the state in Ibadan.
He said the new judges should not give room for corruption knowing full well that the judiciary stills “stands as the last hope of the common man and that corruption has become the enemy of development in the country,” adding that “corruption is not limited to monetary benefit but also morally and spiritually.”
The governor pointed out that the appointment of the new judges was neither a coincidence nor a matter of ordinary choice, saying that the “appointment of judges is based on the need to concretize the process of the rule of law in a society like ours where everybody cries for justice.”
He said: “In a society where people trample on other people’s rights with impunity, where the powerful take advantage of the weak through the flexing of muscles, the judiciary needs to be strengthened. It thus becomes imperative to put in place a well-fortified judiciary by appointing people of impeccable character who are resourceful and highly efficient in the practice of law.”
Ajimobi maintained that his administration had demonstrated its adherence to the rule of law by its due compliance with, and obedience to court orders, saying that this was diametrically opposed to what he met when he came on board.
“I dare say today that Oyo state is the most peaceful state in the country, and this is not unconnected with our belief in the supremacy of the rule of law.”
Congratulating the new judges, the governor emphasised that the judiciary “is expected to bring to bear, at optimal level, their residue of integrity, intelligence, wisdom, sagacity and diligence,” adding that the criteria for the appointment of the new judges were sound knowledge of law, industry and good character.
The new judges are Hon. Justice Bolaji Abosede, Hon. Justice Olawoyin Kamarudeen, Hon. Justice Mojisola Sule, Hon. Justice Omolara Adeyemi and Hon. Justice Ganiyu Adebayo.
