Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has sworn-in Justice Iyabo Yerima as the substantive Chief Judge of the state.
The governor performed the swearing-in at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
In a remark, shortly after the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Makinde said Nigeria needed strong institutions and people to build the strong institutions, for the country to surmount its myriads of challenges.
He says, “We need people with experience, people with capacity, and strong conviction to do what is right. That is why the appointment of Hon. Justice Yerima is important, because she has the experience in leadership and can hold her own.
“The Judiciary is, of course, the last hope of the common man, and it is an institution that should not have any interference with the Executive. So, this is our promise to you and Nigerians,” the governor asserted.
He noted that his administration would continue to support the Judiciary by prioritising the welfare of its members and giving Justice Yerima the support needed to carry out her duties diligently.
Makinde assured that his administration would soon complete the rehabilitation of the High Court complex at Ring Road and the Magistrate Court at Iyaganku, both in Ibadan, the state capital.
The governor, who charged Justice Yerima and other judges to discharge their responsibilities as judicial officers without giving in to hindrances from any quarters, said that the judiciary must justify the sacred trust reposed in it by the people of the state.
While congratulating the new Chief Judge on her appointment, Governor Makinde described her as a judge who had always demonstrated hardwork.
He urged her to use her wealth of experience to uplift the Oyo State Judiciary.
“Today, in accordance with Section 271 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, we are swearing in Justice Iyabo Yerima as the substantive Chief Judge of Oyo State. This was done after her appointment was confirmed by the Oyo State House of Assembly.
“So, it is essential to emphasise the importance of the institutions and set processes. This is why we need strong institutions and once they are strong and we follow the processes that govern those institutions, then we will be stronger,” Governor Makinde said.
Earlier, in her acceptance message, the newly sworn-in Chief Judge appreciated the state governor for appointing her, pledging to dispense worthwhile justice for a sustained development of the state.
Yerima explained that the Judiciary had enjoyed maximum cooperation and support under Makinde’s administration, particularly for his commitment and passion for the arm of government.
Infrastructure Development
She disclosed that the state judiciary was currently undergoing some major infrastructural development at different courts.
She also appealed for more support that would enable accelerated completion of the projects.
The Chief Judge revealed that the state High Court in Ogbomoso would be completed and ready for commissioning before May 29, the day the governor’s second term would kick off.
Justice Yerima was confirmed as acting Chief Judge by the Oyo State House of Assembly on April 12, 2023, following the retirement of the immediate past Chief Judge, Justice Muntar Abimbola.
Confidence Okwuchi
