Ajimobi swears-in acting CJ, tasks him on financial autonomy for judiciary
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Wednesday swore-in the acting Chief Judge of the state, Justice Munta Ladipo Abimbola, with a charge that he should convene the Judicial Service Commission that would work out the modalities for the smooth take-off and operation of financial autonomy for the judiciary in the state.
The new acting Chief Judge was also charged to make immediate arrangement for the commencement of the Customary Court of Appeal of Oyo State.
Justice Abimbola replaces Justice Badejoko Adeniji who retired on attaining the mandatory age of 65.
Governor Ajimobi, while speaking at the ceremony held at the capacity-filled House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Secretariat, Ibadan said that his administration placed high premium on, and due regard for, the independence of the judiciary.
“It is our belief that it is only an independent judiciary, dominated by incorruptible judges, that can deliver justice to all,’’ he said, adding “in a democracy like ours, the judiciary is saddled with an important duty of ensuring that justice is done to all, no matter the status or the social standing of an individual. To that end, we need a robust judiciary filled with men of integrity and immune from corruption.
“In order to maintain a judiciary of our dream, filled and managed by men of integrity, particularly at this time of our relatively young democracy, we need an equally vibrant Acting Chief Judge, a man of integrity, to take the lead of that corruption-free judiciary. Hence, it is an answer to our prayers that providence has given us the Acting Chief Judge being sworn-in today,’’ he said.
Governor Ajimobi declared that since his assumption of office on May 29, 2011, he had never, in any manner whatsoever, interfered in the administration of justice in the state.
“Let me further assure you all that we will never do so because such practice runs contrary to the principle of separation of powers, constitutionalism and the rule of law,’’ he said.
The governor enjoined the judiciary to always be above board and protect the sanctity of the temple of justice, adding that it should avoid double standard and refrain from delivering conflicting rulings and judgments not supported by settled principles of law and precedents.
“The common man should not leave our courts unjustifiably sad and/or confused when courts of co-ordinate jurisdiction deliver different rulings/judgments on cases which facts and applicable laws are on all fours – and which are not distinguishable.
He also said that his administration, without any attempt to compromise the principle of separation of powers, would at all time be ready to assist the judiciary in any way it could to meet any of its challenges, in order to ensure that the wheel of justice in the state was constantly running smoothly.
While congratulating the acting Chief Judge on his appointment, Governor Ajimobi described him as a judge who had always demonstrated uncommon humility, politeness, hard-work and continued great learning since the time he was preferred to the High Court Bench straight from the practicing Bar.
He expressed the confidence that Justice Abimbola would continue to be an asset to the state judiciary and add to the dignity and honour of the office.
