Oyo gets new Chief Judge

By Bukola Hameed

Oyo state has got new State Chief Judge as governor Seyi Makinde performed the swearing-in ceremony for Honourable Justice Iyabo Yerima on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

The swearing-in followed legislative scrutiny and approval of the new Chief Judge, CJ, by the Oyo State House of Assembly last week.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan, governor Makinde urged the new CJ to use her wealth of experience to transform and improve judiciary in the state.

“A few months ago, we gathered here to swear in Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima as Acting Chief Judge of Oyo State. Then, we were on the campaign trail and I remember expressing confidence that we would work together. Well, the people of Oyo State were listening and they said “yes” you will be working together.

And so today, in accordance with Section 271(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), we are swearing in Hon. Justice Yerima as the substantive Chief Judge of Oyo State after her appointment was confirmed by the Oyo State House of Assembly.

It is essential to emphasise the importance of institutions and set processes. This is why we need strong institutions. Once the institutions are strong and we follow the processes that govern those institutions, we build stronger societies”.

The judiciary is of course the last hope of the common man in a democracy. And so, it is an institution that should not have interference from the executive. And so, this is our promise to you: as we worked with you while you served as Acting Chief Judge, we will support you even more as substantive Chief Judge.

So far, we have taken steps to ensure that the judiciary in Oyo State works effectively. For example, we are looking forward to the completion of the rehabilitation of the High Court Complex at Ring Road and Magistrates Court at Iyangaku. We know that if justice is to be dispensed efficiently, it should be carried out in a befitting environment”, Mr governor noted.