Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu 14 new Lagos State High Court judges were sworn in on Friday to strengthen the judiciary, increasing the current number of judges to 70.
The governor told the new judges that all eyes would be on them to deliver justice quickly, fairly and impartially, while living honestly in all circumstances.
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (fifth from the right); Chief Judge of the State of Lagos, Hon. Judge Kazeem Alogba (fourth from the right); The Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat (fifth from left); Attorney General / Commissioner of Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN (fourth from left) with the 14 newly appointed judges during their swearing-in, at Casa de Lagos, Alausa, Ikeja, on Friday, December 31, 2021.
The new bankers, composed of nine females and five males, are: Olubusola Adeyemi Okunuga, Adenrera Olayinka Adeyemi, Olufolake Olufolasade Oshin, Oluwatoyin Atinuke Odusanya, Olumuyiwa Oluseun Martins, Ariyike Mutiat Ipaye-Nwachrounde Olupolada.
Others are: Omolade Jadesola Awope, Akinkunmi Olusegun Idowu, Olalekan Ayodeji Oresanya, Mujibat Iyabode Oshodi, Ismail Olalekan Ijelu, Mosunmola Muyibat Balogun, and Mathias Oluwole Dawodu.
During the inauguration of the 14 new judges in the Ikeja Lakes House, Governor Sanwo-Olu said that the judicial arm of the government is an essential element for the proper and effective functioning of any democratic society, noting that without interpretation and honest application of the country’s laws, society would be open to chaos.
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, presents the oath of office to the Hon. Judge Mujibat Iyabode Oshodi during the swearing-in of 14 newly appointed judges at the House of Lagos, Alausa, Ikeja, on Friday, December 31 of 2021.
He said his administration remains committed to supporting the judiciary to fully discharge its constitutional roles and responsibilities, adding that his government is very fortunate to be heir to a great tradition of judicial reform and excellence in Lagos State.
“The standards of behavior and practice expected of judges are among the highest and strictest in the country. All eyes will be on you to dispense Justice quickly, but fairly and impartially. You will be expected to live and act honestly in all circumstances.
“In their hands is great power: the power to punish wrongdoers and free the innocent, the power to send a strong message to society about the supremacy of the rule of law and to contribute to the growing body of jurisprudence in the country.
“This power must be exercised with the greatest sense of care and responsibility. Not only must you be efficient and fair, but you must also be seen by everyone as efficient and fair, ”advised the governor.
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, presents the oath of office to the Hon. Judge Olalekan Ayodeji Oresanya during the swearing-in of 14 newly appointed judges at the House of Lagos, Alausa, Ikeja, on Friday, December 31 of 2021.
Urging judges to commit to their constitutional duties, Governor Sanwo-Olu said: “Judges who take their jobs seriously can do much to rebuild citizens’ trust in our nation’s systems and institutions.
“A well-functioning judicial system will also go a long way toward fostering an environment that enables business and investment and, by extension, economic growth and prosperity. When society prospers, there is less room for poverty to lead people to crime and criminality. “
Governor Sanwo-Olu revealed that his administration had begun the complete digitization of the courts to ensure a speedy administration of justice. Therefore, he charged the new judges to do their best to familiarize themselves with the ongoing reforms that are being carried out at the subnational and federal levels; be excited about the use of new technologies and strive to always be innovative and forward thinking in your thinking.
He said: “We have now started the complete digitization of our court system in Lagos State. The first phase, comprising 10 courtrooms, is nearing completion. This digitization will help speed up court processes, allow for easy documentation and publication of accurate court transcripts, and will also provide high-speed Internet access for use by judges and other court personnel.
“In addition, which is very important, we are implementing infrastructure to allow the virtual hearing of cases. This is one of the reforms whose need has been accelerated by the appearance of the coronavirus pandemic. We are all witnessing how the closures and restrictions caused by Covid-19 negatively affected the administration of criminal justice.
“Technology has offered a way out and we are enthusiastically embracing this option. With the infrastructure we are putting in place, judges will be able to sit down virtually, ensuring there are no delays, while also helping to manage costs traditionally used to ensure suspects are transferred to and from court.
Chief Judge of the State of Lagos, Hon. Judge Kazeem Alogba; The Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Attorney General / Commissioner of Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN during the swearing-in of 14 newly appointed judges at Casa de Lagos, Alausa, Ikeja, on Friday, December 31, 2021.
“In addition to the pandemic, last year’s wave of arson and destruction targeting critical government facilities, including our courts, also demonstrated to us the importance of making a rapid transition from manual to digital recording systems, which allow easier and more secure storage of documents and records. “
The governor also praised the National Judicial Service Commission for adding to the list of 12 potential judges sent earlier.
In previous statements, Lagos State Attorney General and Justice Commissioner Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) said that the appointment of the new judges was necessary due to the retirement of some judges during the year.
In his remarks, Chief State Judge Kazeem Alogba advised the new judges who he said were chosen on merit to operate in the fear of God.
“You are welcome to the judiciary of excellence. It is a family of integrity and a family of discipline. All of you have been called to duty for merits and integrity, please do not let us down ”, he appealed to the new judges.
Mr. Alogba also advised the families of the new judges to let them work and to continue praying for them so that they would not falter.
Speaking on behalf of the new 14 judges, Ms. Okunuga thanked the State Government for the trust placed in them and promised that she would make the Lagos State Judiciary proud by fulfilling its duty without fear, favor or affection.