Oyebanji inaugurates five High Court Judges

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State on Monday swore in five new judges to the State High Court, charging them to serve as steadfast guardians of justice and protectors of the rights of all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable members of society.

The ceremony, conducted at the Governor’s Office Conference Hall, drew a significant gathering of judicial officers, government dignitaries, and legal professionals.

During his address, Governor Oyebanji underscored the judiciary’s role as a fundamental pillar of democracy, emphasizing that a functional society relies on a justice system that remains impartial, efficient, and accessible to every citizen regardless of status.

The Governor highlighted that these appointments were the result of a rigorous constitutional screening process, asserting that the new jurists—Justices Adegoke Olanike, Bamise Sunday, Akinyede Stephen, Ajibare Julius, and Anoma Funke secured their seats through demonstrated competence and unwavering professional integrity.

He further explained that the expansion of the bench was a strategic necessity driven by Ekiti’s burgeoning economic activities and an increasing public trust in the legal system, both of which have led to a surge in litigation.

By increasing the number of presiding judges, the administration aims to aggressively tackle case backlogs and accelerate the pace of justice delivery across the state.

In a stern admonition, Oyebanji urged the new judges to view their elevation not merely as a promotion, but as a solemn call to service.

He called upon them to exercise the powers of the bench with absolute responsibility, discharging their duties without fear or favor.

The Governor further issued a public warning to associates and well-wishers, cautioning against any attempts to interfere with judicial processes. He maintained that justice must never be perceived as a tool for the powerful, but rather as a shield for the common man.

Responding on behalf of the newly appointed judges, Justice Adegoke Olanike pledged their collective commitment to the rule of law, assuring the government and the public that they would uphold the Constitution and administer justice with diligence and transparency at all times.