The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that his administration would continue to prioritise developments that would strengthen the judicial arm of government
He also promised to provide facilities and avenues to make the work of the judiciary easier in the state.
The Governor, who stated this at the Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan, during a valedictory service in honour of the Chief Judge of the state, Honourable Justice Muntar Abimbola, who is retiring from active service this week, said Abimbola was his teacher and adviser and appreciated him for his service to Oyo State and its people.
He described the retiring Chief Judge as a defender of the independence of the judiciary and a patriot, who worked hand-in-hand with him in the interest of the state, recalling a major issue that occurred when he just became governor and decided to move permanent secretaries around ministries.
The Governor said he took the Solicitor-General to one ministry but Justice Abimbola told him he could not do such a thing.
“I told him I could do it because I am the governor of the state, but he explained the dynamics to me. He said that the Solicitor-General is a professional and as a lawyer, his career does not end at the Solicitor-General or Permanent Secretary position and that if I didn’t leave him in the Ministry of Justice, then, I might unknowingly have ended his career.
“So, I had a long thought and said to myself that just when you think you have seen it all, you will meet people that will impact you with knowledge on some of the things you assume you are versatile with. So, the retiring Chief Judge is also my teacher and from that point, we started our engagement.”
He praised the cordial relationship that had existed between the executive and the judiciary under the watch of the outgoing Chief Judge, which he said made him add N4 billion to their budget in 2021, saying the state government would continue to maintain the cordiality and continue to prioritise the welfare of the judiciary.
Makinde noted: “I have listened to your requests, which the chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ibadan branch, listed and I can tell you that they will be addressed. Some of the things the NBA chairperson mentioned will require enforcement and I have taken judicial notice as we keep engaging.”
The Governor also wished the outgoing Chief Judge well in his future endeavours, giving thanks to God for allowing him to end well, saying it is good to start well but to end well is even better.
The retiring Chief Judge, Justice Munta Abimbola described the Governor as an overcomer and an individual who always cares about the prosperity of others.
Abimbola said: “By experience, I look forward to a greater freedom now as I am immensely happy and proud of the years past and exceedingly hopeful of the future. I remain optimistic, full of life, grateful for the years I have lived and what I have been able to achieve.”
Also, the Nigerian Bar Association Chairperson, Ibadan Branch, Mrs Folashade Adeniyi, noted that Justice Abimbola played a significant role towards the decongestion of custodial centres and ensured the speedy administration of justice.
Adeniyi described the retiring Chief Judge as “A golden legend, a unique judicial officer with landmark achievements, an ebullient judge who has made his mark in the sands of time,” adding that Abimbola had contributed to widening the scope of the law profession in Nigeria.
She, however, called on the state government to appoint more judges to fill some courts in order to fast-track justice dispensation.
PIAK
